Rome's Spin Time building dispute: city moves to buy property as 150 families stay homeless

The former office block known as Spin Time in Rome remains under seizure after a fire forced about 150 families (roughly 450 people) onto the streets. Residents have been living in makeshift camps amid high temperatures, while the municipal government, led by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and housing assessor Tobia Zevi, is negotiating a purchase of the building with its owners, the investment firm Investire.

The city’s proposal, based on an appraisal by the State Property Agency or the Revenue Agency, includes a bridge agreement to secure immediate use of the property and to facilitate the return of the most vulnerable families. Legal complications persist, including a court‑ordered compensation of about €207,000 per month to the owners and a total of over €21 million owed to date. Meanwhile, a fundraising campaign “Help Spin Time Stay” has raised more than €80,000 from citizens, artists and politicians to provide food, medicine and basic supplies.

Political figures such as left‑wing MP Nicola Fratoianni have voiced support for rapid rehousing, while critics warn that any sale to private hands could undermine the movement’s demand for the right to housing. The municipal plan envisions converting upper floors into social housing and lower levels into cultural spaces, but the change of use will require extensive legal and safety work.