The conflict began in August 2024 when Marga Aguilar received a burofax demanding that she and her father, then 89 years old, vacate their home within 30 days. Having lived in the historic La Papallona building for over 31 years, the resident initially dismissed the notice as an error.
The property, known for its butterfly mosaic facade and designed by modernist architect Josep Graner, was sold following the death of the former owner, Salvio Fajol. The building was acquired by the investment fund New Amsterdam Developers, which plans to convert it into a 'coliving' space—a shared housing model where room prices can reach up to 1,500 euros.
“"We don't know these people. It is an investment fund that wants to kick out a good citizen, a vulnerable family who pays and has taken care of their home."
This operation has already resulted in the expulsion of seven of the 14 resident families. Marga, who signed her only contract in 1992, invested in renovating the kitchen and bathroom, believing it would be her lifelong home. Now, alongside her 91-year-old father, who is considered vulnerable, she has chosen to resist with the support of the Socialist Housing Union of Catalonia.
“"It is a psychological and economic toll that ends up pushing people to leave. I don't have the economic means, but I do have a family and neighborhood comrades who give me the strength to resist."
Following a failed negotiation in December 2024, where the fund only sought to negotiate their departure, Marga received notification of the court hearing in early February and the new eviction deadline: March 11. Her intention is to remain in the building as long as possible to prevent its conversion into inaccessible housing.
