Vision
Maricasa is a community planned for all women who are retired or employed and have moderate means. Maricasa encourages
compatible, entrepreneurial businesses, community service, vacation and/or retirement living in an area with multiple opportunities and
a low cost of living. It also honors the environment through sustainable living practices in a peaceful, waterfront, tropical climate with
modest homes for women who want to live as neighbors in a well-designed community. Maricasa also makes men welcome.
Location
The property is located on the Bay of Chetumal near the Belize border in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It lies two miles north of
Calderitas, a small fishing village and weekend hotspot, and 8 miles from Chetumal, a large town with a university, airport, shopping, and
hospitals. Maricasa is 6 hours driving time south of Cancun and 3 hours driving time north of Belize City, Belize.
Community Environment
In Chetumal, residents and visitors have access to abundant business, recreational and travel opportunities, health care choices and
easy access to the US and Canada. Each home is privately owned and designed to meet the needs of its owners. Common space at
Maricasa is provided for the use of shared resources such as meeting areas, restaurant, laundry, gardening, library, internet, etc.
Infrastructure and landscaping are environmentally friendly and local building methods are used to construct homes and other
structures that are attractive, durable and effective in the Costa Maya climate.
The Property
The land owned by Maricasa consists of 7.5 acres (3 hectares) located on the Bay of Chetumal where it is protected from hurricanes
by the bay and an offshore island. The land requires careful planning to integrate structures, roads, building sites, utility systems,
landscaping, etc. within the natural environment. Use of solar power and rainwater collection are parts of the design. There are also
ancient Mayan ruins on the property that have been designated for preservation.
Who Are We?
Kathe Kirkbride is a retired teacher, engineer and businesswoman who speaks Spanish fluently. Together with her partner, Colleen,
she traveled throughout Mexico and Central America over several years, always searching for the ‘perfect’ location for a women’s
retirement community. They found it in Calderitas, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Colleen died in August 2006; her lively spirit continues to
dwell at Maricasa.
Jean F. Marquardt, formerly the Executive Director of the Taos Center of the Arts, has been in nonprofit management for over 25
years. As an artist, she paints and does ceramic, concrete and bronze sculptures. Since participating in the Crone's Project
retirement visualization, she has been interested in creating a women's retirement community.
Maricasa is a community planned for all women who are retired or employed and have moderate means. Maricasa encourages
compatible, entrepreneurial businesses, community service, vacation and/or retirement living in an area with multiple opportunities and
a low cost of living. It also honors the environment through sustainable living practices in a peaceful, waterfront, tropical climate with
modest homes for women who want to live as neighbors in a well-designed community. Maricasa also makes men welcome.
Location
The property is located on the Bay of Chetumal near the Belize border in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It lies two miles north of
Calderitas, a small fishing village and weekend hotspot, and 8 miles from Chetumal, a large town with a university, airport, shopping, and
hospitals. Maricasa is 6 hours driving time south of Cancun and 3 hours driving time north of Belize City, Belize.
Community Environment
In Chetumal, residents and visitors have access to abundant business, recreational and travel opportunities, health care choices and
easy access to the US and Canada. Each home is privately owned and designed to meet the needs of its owners. Common space at
Maricasa is provided for the use of shared resources such as meeting areas, restaurant, laundry, gardening, library, internet, etc.
Infrastructure and landscaping are environmentally friendly and local building methods are used to construct homes and other
structures that are attractive, durable and effective in the Costa Maya climate.
The Property
The land owned by Maricasa consists of 7.5 acres (3 hectares) located on the Bay of Chetumal where it is protected from hurricanes
by the bay and an offshore island. The land requires careful planning to integrate structures, roads, building sites, utility systems,
landscaping, etc. within the natural environment. Use of solar power and rainwater collection are parts of the design. There are also
ancient Mayan ruins on the property that have been designated for preservation.
Who Are We?
Kathe Kirkbride is a retired teacher, engineer and businesswoman who speaks Spanish fluently. Together with her partner, Colleen,
she traveled throughout Mexico and Central America over several years, always searching for the ‘perfect’ location for a women’s
retirement community. They found it in Calderitas, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Colleen died in August 2006; her lively spirit continues to
dwell at Maricasa.
Jean F. Marquardt, formerly the Executive Director of the Taos Center of the Arts, has been in nonprofit management for over 25
years. As an artist, she paints and does ceramic, concrete and bronze sculptures. Since participating in the Crone's Project
retirement visualization, she has been interested in creating a women's retirement community.
Every project has a vision... Maricasa is no exception. Do you have a similar vision?
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Kathe Kirkbride
Jean Marquardt
