Italian Cultural Center - Il Punto!

The Dream is a Reality! Property Acquired for a Permanent Italian Cultural Center!

It is with great pleasure and pride that we announce the purchase of a permanent location for an Italian Cultural Center in the greater Seattle area!

As you know, Il Punto has been working towards this goal since its inception five years ago. In that time, we were able to amass a membership base committed to achieving our objective that generously devoted time, energy, and funds to this effort.

After months of investigation, coordination, evaluation, and effort, last month a property was purchased that will house the eventual center. Located at 13000 First Ave South in Burien, the property encompasses an acre of land consisting of five lots, a 7,000+ square foot commercial building, a two-bedroom house, and plenty of parking. 

A new legal entity, La Casa Italiana – Italian Cultural Center,  was established to own and operate the property. In addition to Il Punto’s contribution of $80,000, other Italian organizations and generous individuals contributed the necessary funds for the down payment and initial expenses to purchase the property.

La Casa Italiana is now registered and awaiting the final approval for its 501(c) 3 status, which will be retroactive to September 22, 2020. Its mission statement is “to plan, promote and carry on charitable, educational, and cultural activities, which serve the welfare of the community and to preserve the rich tradition  of Italian culture by sponsoring lectures, classes, conferences, study groups, culinary events, mentorship programs, and scholarships…”

To fulfill its mission, the Casa Italiana plans is to transform the existing property into a meeting place that will include an Italian library, a museum preserving the documents and photos that trace the heritage and contributions of Italians in the Pacific Northwest, a large hall and commercial kitchen for gatherings and events, smaller meeting rooms, the office of the Italian honorary consul, educational facilities, gift shop, and, of course, an espresso bar.

Given that we have achieved our primary goal of securing a permanent location for an Italian Cultural Center, the natural question for Il Punto is: what happens  next? Shall we continue to operate as an organization separate from the Casa Italiana, or shall we cease our operations and let our volunteers contribute to shaping the cultural activities of Casa Italiana?

The Board will bring a formal resolution that addresses this question to the membership at the upcoming annual meeting on October 25. If we choose to continue, we will need the membership’s full engagement with Il Punto’s administration, as only 3 of our current directors will remain on the Board while at least 7 are required for Il Punto to function. Therefore, it’s important that you send your nominations for Director if you would like to continue Il Punto’s activities and that you attend the annual meeting on October 25 to let your voice be heard on deciding the next chapter for Italian culture in the greater Seattle area.

Over the next two weeks, you will receive more information on the resolution. Please do not hesitate to reach out between now and October 25. Thank you for your generous support of Il Punto and its goal of establishing a permanent Italian Cultural Center. Your contribution, passion, support and amore have been vital to transforming il sogno in realta`. 

Franco Tesorieri, President, Il Punto

Your presence is requested! RSVP: Annual Membership Meeting