Riva del Garda Urban Projects: Library, Cultural Venues, and Redevelopment

Urban Redevelopment Projects and Institutional Venues in Riva del Garda

Palazzo Lutti-Salvadori, Palazzo Martini, and the Conventino dell’Inviolata are three buildings that are part of the history and culture of Riva del Garda. Currently, although somewhat behind the scenes and without much noise, they are becoming the protagonists of an urban and administrative reorganization project that might, among other things, create some friction within the majority coalition.

The “dream” of former mayor and now provincial councilor Claudio Molinari has always been to establish the second cultural hub of Riva at Palazzo Lutti-Salvadori, centered around the Library. It’s a billion-dollar dream for a project dating back to 1995 (when it was presented), and progress has been slow.

Alternative Proposals and Political Debates

Now, however, those on the left are revisiting an idea previously advanced by the “fu Ulivo” and still supported today by the Library Director: oppose relocating the Library from Palazzo Lutti-Salvadori but support moving to the Inviolata Kiosk. Within Margherita, some have already indicated they are not on board with this, while on the left, the idea is much more than a simple throwaway comment. The discussion will likely come back into focus in the coming months.

The issue that would arise if the Library’s location were to be transferred is: what remains at Palazzo Lutti-Salvadori and, more importantly, at what cost to the Municipality? According to architect Angelini’s plan and Molinari’s idea, the Library was intended to be—or should be—the centerpiece of the new cultural hub, spanning three floors of the building.

Management Costs and Future Perspectives

Moving it elsewhere would significantly empty the structure which, regardless of whether the Library stays or moves, will pose a heavy burden of management costs once completed (which is expected to take years and years). The costs are estimated in the hundreds of millions of euros annually (certainly exceeding one billion), all to be borne by the municipal coffers.

This is why the Council has already discussed, albeit in a subdued tone, the possibility of renting out part of Palazzo Lutti-Salvadori regardless of how the Library debate concludes. Rumors, publicly denied by the mayor during the council meeting at the behest of An representative Giuseppe Ravanelli, about a potential sale or exchange of part of Palazzo Lutti-Salvadori, are now dismissed as “just talk”.

Even some members of the majority are not outright closing the door to this possibility. Additionally, everyone more or less agrees that the current location of the city council is not suitable; a different venue needs to be found. Among the options, particular attention is being given to the spacious and splendid auditorium of Palazzo Martini, recently renovated but still currently empty.

Renovation Proposals and Investments

“Premature discussions” states the urban planning councilor Adalberto Mosaner. “It’s an advanced proposal,” emphasizes the council president l’Omasso Benamati. Is it just science fiction to think about some “real estate move” that involves private investors and the municipal administration regarding the two buildings on Via Maffei? Surely, it will take years before any definitive outcome is seen.