The ecological cooperative Ecosol, a fixture in the Tetuán neighborhood for nearly three decades, finds itself in a critical situation facing the first eviction attempt from its premises on Salvia street. The eviction is scheduled for next Friday, May 29, marking the end of a long process of negotiation and resistance by the cooperative members.
The issue began in 2024 when the fund Elix Rental Housing acquired the entire building located at number 1, Salvia street. Ecosol, founded in 1999, focuses on ecological consumption and promotes local and ethical production among aware residents.
Following the death of the original owner in 2020, the property changed hands several times, including through the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God and Apolo Real State S.L., eventually ending up with Elix. Cooperative members criticize that a religious order chose real estate speculation, a move they liken to other evictions promoted by religious entities.
With the arrival of Elix, notifications for contract termination and non-renewal began. Many tenants, some of whom had lived there for decades with modest rents, initiated a resistance strategy alongside the Madrid Tenants Union. Despite protests and banners, most residents eventually accepted to leave in exchange for financial compensation. However, Ecosol decided to continue the fight to remain in its premises, despite renovation works starting in the building.
The cooperative chose to continue paying rent through the court, given the new company's refusal to accept payments. After several unsuccessful meetings with Elix, the contract expired and was not renewed, leading to a trial on July 17, which resulted unfavorably for Ecosol.
This is the first trial involving Elix, a fund that has previously been in the media spotlight due to conflicts with residents in other buildings it acquired. The company often operates alongside AltamarCAM Partners, chaired by Claudio Aguirre, second cousin of the former president of the Community of Madrid, Esperanza Aguirre. One of their most publicized urban conflicts was at Tribulete 7 in Lavapiés.
Despite filing an appeal with the court, it was unsuccessful. "Everything happened very quickly; apparently, when we talk about commercial premises, the timelines are different," lament members from Ecosol. The apartments at Salvia 1 are now almost remodeled, and cooperative members fear they will be converted into tourist apartments or 'coliving' spaces, detached from the needs of residents and entities like theirs.
The cooperative highlights the losses its closure entails: a direct job and the disruption of commercial relationships with small farmers, in addition to the loss of an important community hub. Despite the adversity, Ecosol has continued to operate and explore alternatives, although the neighborhood's real estate market makes it difficult to find a new space for its non-profit activities.
Next Friday, May 29, the Madrid Tenants Union will accompany Ecosol in its protest. They will be informing and encouraging residents to attend the event, demonstrating the proven fighting capacity of the cooperative members.
