Retiring to the Italian Riviera may feel out of reach for most, but St. Rita Square in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, brings this dream to life with its unique charm and allure. Inspired by Italian architecture and culture, the senior living facility is a haven where retirees engage in "la dolce vita," or the sweet life, daily.
Impact Seven, Inc. , a Community Economic Development (CED) grant recipient, used CED funds to contribute to the construction of St. Rita Square. Construction of the facility was aided by the developer’s relationship with a local church, and CED funds pushed the development across to the finish line. In recognition of the need for a senior residence in the community, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee sold the antiquated church & vacant school to Capri Communities, the developer of St. Rita Square, for one dollar. In return, Capri Communities built a new church for Three Holy Women and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on St. Rita Square grounds. Since 2020, the facility has provided exceptional services to seniors living in 118 units while creating high-quality jobs for 28 community members.
The guiding philosophy at St. Rita Square is ’enjoy life.’ More than a motto, this phrase guides the operation of the facility and is engrained into the spirit of the place. Within the facility, residents enjoy a trattoria with restaurant-style dining, exercise areas, and curated outdoor spaces. Public transportation is easily accessible for those who want to venture out. For those who want to stay close to the facility, Italian flare is never far away from St. Rita Square, as the building is within walking distance to Brady Street, which is home to Italian markets, bakeries, and restaurants. Furthermore, St. Rita Square offers a range of living options, including independent living, assisted living and memory care, to cater to the diverse healthcare needs of senior residents.
This CED project addressed two critical needs in the community: job creation and senior housing. St. Rita Square met a need for more senior housing in Milwaukee's Lower East Side neighborhood as the number of senior residents increased in the area. In 2019, seniors over 60 years old comprised approximately 20% of Milwaukee's total population. CED grant recipient Impact Seven, Inc. was able to step in and use CED funds to complete the St. Rita Square, providing this critical service to the community in the process.
Additionally, through the CED grant, local community members have found valuable career paths within the facility ranging from healthcare, facility operations, culinary, and management. Their work creates a rich and vibrant environment for the senior residents living at St. Rita Square. The St. Rita Square project has created 28 high-quality jobs for local residents, 13 of which are filled by individuals with low income.
The St. Rita Project captures the essence of the CED program: providing high-quality and meaningful employment to community residents while enriching the local community and fulfilling critical gaps.