Alderman supports development at 2907 W. Irving Park

Alderman Rossana Rodriguez has announced that she will support developers Full Circle Communities and Visionary Ventures plan for an all-affordable residential development at 2907 W. Irving Park. Currently a vacant lot, the property is midblock between N. Richmond St and N. Francisco Ave near Horner Park and the north branch of the Chicago River.

Designed by Canopy / architecture + design, the architecture was inspired by native culture, using a metaphor of the river in the design to express the native culture in the project. Topping out at 79 feet tall, the seven-story building has been designed with a serrated facade lined with east-facing balconies. The ground floor has been setback to provide an expanded sidewalk and landscaping and the seventh floor has been setback to reduce the perceived height and mass of the structure.

Set to hold 45 units, the building will cluster community with a multigenerational set of apartments ranging from studios to three-beds. Units will be available at a range of incomes from 15-60% AMI. Designed in response to climate and culture, every unit will have an east-facing balcony to orient towards the morning sun and connect to the Chicago River nearby. 

The ground floor of the building will face W. Irving Park Rd with the residential lobby, the bike room with 45 spaces, and a commercial space that will be reserved for a Native American non-profit or service organization. Parking for 16 cars will be at the back of the ground floor accessible from the alley.

Currently zoned RS-1, the developers need Alderman Rodriguez’s approval to rezone the site to B3-3. In her statement to constituents, Rodriguez cited the significant loss of housing in the neighborhood through demolitions and deconversions, the decline in school population as a result of those demolitions and deconversions, and the provisions of the Connected Communities Ordinance as reasons for supporting the project. The alderman’s office reportedly received over 375 responses to their feedback form with over 73% of respondents in favor of the development.  

With aldermanic approval, the rezoning application can head to City Hall to receive approval from the Committee on Zoning and City Council. The development team is planning on wrapping up plans for the building and applying for a permit in Fall 2023, beginning construction in Spring 2024, starting pre-leasing in Winter 2024, and completing construction in Spring 2025.