The City of Chicago recently broke ground on Jigzibik, a new affordable housing development in Irving Park. On July 11, 2025, Mayor Brandon Johnson and other city leaders participated in the ceremony at 2907 W. Irving Park Road. The development will include 45 fully affordable units.
Highlights
- A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the first Native American-focused affordable housing project in Chicago.
- The project is designed to serve Native American residents in Chicago.
- The project is supported by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and the Department of Housing (DOH).
Groundbreaking Took Place for Jigzibik Affordable Housing Complex
On July 11, 2025, a groundbreaking ceremony for Jigzibik took place. It is an affordable housing development, focused especially on Native Americans residing in Chicago. Visionary Ventures, a Native-led nonprofit, initially proposed the idea in response to housing needs in the community. Mayor Brandon Johnson was joined by city officials, community leaders, and representatives from Visionary Ventures and Full Circle Communities.
“I often talk about the love story of the founding of our city between a Haitian immigrant and an indigenous Potawatomi woman named Kitihawa. The history of Chicago is deeply intertwined with our indigenous communities, who called this land home long before our city was established. I am proud that today we are continuing to work towards ensuring that our Indigenous communities can afford to continue to live and thrive in Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Highlights of the Project
The development will offer 45 affordable units for households earning between 15% and 60% of the area median income. It is a mixed-use development of 62,000 square feet with different housing options and amenities.
- The unit mix includes 10 studios, 15 one-bedrooms, 10 two-bedrooms, and 10 three-bedroom apartments.
- 3 units will be reserved for permanent supportive housing.
- Floor 2-6 for residential use.
- First floor features residential lobby, parking, management, supportive service, and maintenance offices.
- Rooftop features deck and garden beds.
- The site is within walking distance of parks, grocery stores, schools, and entertainment
- Other amenities include community rooms, art/maker space, and computer lab/library.
Financial Support for Jigzibik
Jigzibik, meaning ‘at the river’s edge,’ was chosen by the Native American Advisory Council to reflect the community’s cultural roots. Chicago stands third in harboring the largest Native population in the country.
The financial support for the project came from the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and the Department of Housing (DOH). Additional funding sources include:
- $6 million from Mayor Johnson’s Housing and Economic Development Bond
- $950,000 in permanent supportive housing funds
- $465,000 in donation supportive tax credits
- $2.5 million in low-income housing tax credits.
The project represents a step forward in creating culturally informed, affordable housing options in Chicago. It honors Native American heritage while addressing housing needs in Irving Park. The building will rise on a long-vacant lot between N. Richmond Street and N. Francisco Avenue.
