Work recently began on Jigzibik, a 45-unit affordable-housing development on Chicago’s Northwest Side that will serve the city’s Native American community.
Located at 2907 W. Irving Park Road in the Irving Park neighborhood, the 62,000-square-foot, seven-story mid-rise will replace a vacant lot.
Jigzibik, a Potawatomi word meaning “at the river’s edge,” was chosen by the project’s Native American Advisory Council. Chicago is home to the third-largest urban Native American population in the country, with representation from over 100 tribes.
The building will offer 10 studios, 15 one-bedrooms, 10 two-bedrooms and 10 three-bedrooms for households earning between 15% and 60% of area median income. Three units will be set aside as permanent supportive housing to help those transitioning out of homelessness. Community amenities will include a rooftop deck, fitness room, commercial spaces, green spaces and 16 parking spots.
The development was conceived by Visionary Ventures, a Native-led nonprofit organization, and co-led by Full Circle Communities. Canopy Architecture + Design served as architect, and Skender is overseeing construction.
Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development and Department of Housing contributed $6 million from the city’s Housing and Economic Development Bond, $950,000 in permanent supportive housing funds, $465,000 in donation-supportive tax credits and $2.5 million in low-income housing tax credits.
“This is a dream come true; I am so grateful to see this project happening,” Visionary Ventures President and Executive Director Shelly Tucciarelli said. “Housing has been one of the main issues that brought our Native community together. Many Native organizations and leaders have stepped up to serve our community; Jigzibik comes out of that legacy.”