MI CASA en su Nueva Casa (MI CASA in its new home)(Spring 2006)
MI CASA Family Services and Educational Center celebrates its new home.

In the revitalization story of Hartford’s Park Street, January 19, 2006 will be a date to remember. On this day, the historic Solomon Building at 590 Park Street reopened its doors to the community. Decades ago the building invited families to shop at its Woolworths, or spend an afternoon bowling in the alleys above the store. Today, as home for the MI CASA Family Services and Education Center, the former department store welcomes neighbors with a new mission: to enhance the quality of life for underserved youth and families through positive development programs, prevention, recreation, support, and cultural services.

Donated to MI CASA by SINA, the new facility will make dreams come true for many youth living in Frog Hollow and South End neighborhoods. The three-story center includes classrooms, computer labs, art rooms, program space, and a performance stage. A gymnasium and sauna will soon be added.
 

MI CASA began its life in 1992 as a neighborhood-based program charged with providing intervention services for youth at risk. In 1999, the program evolved into a formal not-for-profit focused on keeping neighborhood youth productively occupied and out of trouble.

SINA’s real estate donation, estimated at $250,000, enabled MI CASA to move from its tiny “storefront” location on Oak Street to the ample 24,000 square feet facility on Park Street. The new location will greatly enhance MI CASA’s goal to reduce gang participation, violence, and other harmful activities among youth ages 10 to 17 and their families.

Originally built in 1929, the Solomon Building housed shops and vendors for many years. By the mid 1990s its doors had closed. SINA, already an active player in Park Street’s revitalization, recognized the property’s potential to meet a need in the community.

“We need things for the children to do,” a Park Street neighbor lamented. “If they don’t have healthy activities, they turn to destructive things.” Community surveys consistently reinforced the need for youth recreational services and facilities.

SINA purchased the building and, in June 2003, gave the property to MI CASA for use as its new headquarters. The $3 million renovation that followed stayed true to the building’s Art Deco-style, including preservation of the tin ceiling and antique light fixtures, as well as a replica of the original storefront. Beautifully restored, the building complements the impressive streetscape improvements taking place on one of Hartford’s most celebrated commercial/retail corridors.