Viviendas Intergeneracionales Plaza de América is a municipal housing project in Alicante, Spain, designed to bring older residents and younger people into a shared residential community. It opened in late November 2008; the City Council marked its tenth anniversary in 2018.2
The project was developed through Alicante’s Patronato Municipal de la Vivienda (Municipal Housing Board), with an investment of €12 million. Its 72 apartments comprise 56 for people over 65 and 16 for residents aged 18–35. The independently occupied flats are about 40 square metres, and the 2018 municipal account reported rents of €225 plus community expenses.23
The building also includes a day centre for older people and a health centre, alongside shared rooms for activities such as reading, games and workshops.2 The programme aims to provide affordable, dignified housing while encouraging exchange and solidarity across generations. Young tenants undertake a service commitment intended to reduce older residents’ isolation and support their quality of life.2
Mayte Fernández Sarrión, an anthropologist and former head of the Housing Board’s Social Services, designed the building’s social and co-living programme. At the 2018 anniversary event, Mayor Luis Barcala paid tribute to her posthumously; Israel Cortés, councillor for Infrastructure and the Housing Board, also attended.2 By that anniversary, the complex had 80 tenants, including 19 who had lived there since its opening.2
The Housing Board’s programme began in November 2008. The anniversary account describes the project as an example for intergenerational housing in Spain and internationally.23