CHICAGO – Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson joined City Officials, Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33rd Ward), Full Circle Communities, Visionary Ventures, Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative, American Indian Center, and community leaders for the groundbreaking of the Jigzibik affordable housing complex which will bring 45 units of 100% affordable housing to the Northwest Side.  

“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,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “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.”  

“In the 33rd Ward we know that housing is a human right not a privilege. Today we take a major step forward in building a city where working families can not only feel secure, but thrive,” said Alderwoman Rosanna Rodriguez-Sanchez. “This building honors and uplifts our Native community, a community to which we owe a profound debt that has never been repaid—this project begins to answer that call for justice.” 

“Thank you to all of our partners in this project for being a part of our community,” said Joshua Wilmoth, President and CEO of Full Circle Communities. “This development speaks to me and my team on so many levels as we manifest a new beginning for some of the most vulnerable and least seen among us.” 

“This is a dream come true, I am so grateful to see this project happening,” said Shelly Tucciarelli, President and Executive Director of Visionary Ventures. “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.”  

In line with Full Circle Communities’, Visionary Ventures’ and the City’s commitment to serving the needs of Chicago’s Native community, the site will offer convenient access to community resources including the American Indian Center, Sain Kateri Center and the American Indian Health Service of Chicago.  

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 population in the country, with representation from over 100 tribes. 

The 2909 W. Irving Park project was supported by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and Department of Housing (DOH) who contributed $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, and $2.5 million in low-income housing tax credits.  

“This project is a result of years of dedicated collaboration, from start to finish every partner worked tirelessly to keep us on track and get us to this point,” said Lissette Castañeda, DOH Commissioner. “As a department we are committed to ensuring every Chicagoan can find and stay in housing that not only keeps them safe and secure but allows them to thrive. That is what this development represents.”  

The building will include 10 studios, 15 one-bedrooms, 10 two-bedrooms and 10 three-bedrooms. Three units will be set aside as permanent supportive housing—providing a safe and stable home for community members transitioning out of homelessness. 

Located between N. Richmond Street and N. Francisco Avenue, the new structure will replace a vacant lot along the busy corridor. Once completed, the complex’s amenities will include green community spaces, a rooftop deck, fitness room, commercial spaces, 16 parking spots, and more. 

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