Società Cooperativa Edificatrice Ferruccio Degradi, based in Milan, Italy, is one of the oldest and most established housing cooperatives in the Lombardy region. Founded in 1909 in Quarto Cagnino, historically near the current city limits of Milan, the cooperative was named after Ferruccio Degradi, a prominent local cooperative leader. Over its long history, the organisation has absorbed several smaller cooperatives, expanding both its reach and the size of its housing stock.
Today, Ferruccio Degradi manages approximately 800 housing units for rent and has built around 1,500 apartments for sale. Its membership consists of about 5,000 people and its net assets are valued at roughly 30 million euros. The cooperative’s activities are concentrated in the Milan metropolitan area, particularly in districts such as Quinto Romano and Figino, where it operates out of local social spaces.
Recent projects include the redevelopment of the historic Via Caldera complex, a set of “case a ringhiera” typical of Milan, finished in 2015. The project included roof replacements, façade improvements, the installation of new windows for better insulation, and updates to heating systems to improve energy efficiency. Another notable development is the social housing complex in Piazzale della Cooperazione, which offers a mix of affordable rental and ownership options, communal spaces, services for residents, and public amenities like ZOC Zoia Officine Creative. Beyond construction, the cooperative also organises social and cultural initiatives to foster a sense of community among its residents.