Chicago City Wire

The Chicago City Council has agreed to provide funding for a significant new housing project that will bring affordable homes to the Irving Park community. Developers Full Circle Communities and Visionary Ventures will work together to build a seven-story complex comprising 45 affordable rental units at 2901 W. Irving Park.

This project, named Jigzibik, a Potawatomi term meaning "At the River’s Edge," is the first of its kind in Chicago, drawing inspiration from Native American culture. The building's design emphasizes the river metaphor and features a serrated facade with east-facing balconies aligned with the morning sun. The nearby Chicago River plays a crucial role in the design, intending to integrate cultural elements into urban housing.

The development aims to address the needs of households earning 60% or less of the Average Median Income (AMI). It will offer a mix of ten studio apartments, fifteen one-bedroom units, ten two-bedroom units, and ten three-bedroom units. Of these, three will be designated as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) through the coordinated entry system, providing essential support to eligible individuals.

Included in the building are community and office spaces, a fitness center, a bicycle room, tenant storage areas, and an outdoor deck with garden beds. The residence will also have 16 surface parking spaces. Each unit will be equipped with amenities such as dishwashers, microwaves, in-unit washers and dryers, window treatments, and luxury vinyl tile flooring.

Funding for Jigzibik is supported by a combination of financial mechanisms, including $2,114,544 in 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), $9,995,484 in Multi-Family funds, and $465,000 in Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credits—securing its position as a pioneering venture in urban affordable housing.