Cultural Preservation

Little Village Cultural District

In 2024, the Foundation of Little Village was awarded the distinguished honor of establishing and managing the Little Village State-Designated Cultural District. This 10-year designation is a historic investment from Governor Pritzker’s administration and will positively impact our community for years to come

State Designated Cultural District

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The Little Village Cultural District celebrates, preserves, and strengthens the rich Mexican heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural identity that have made La Villita one of Chicago’s most vibrant and economically significant communities. Anchored by the historic 26th Street corridor and generations of immigrant-owned small businesses, the district recognizes that Little Village’s culture is not only something to celebrate—it is an essential community and economic asset. Through investments in local businesses, arts and cultural programming, public spaces, community institutions, and neighborhood traditions, the Cultural District will strengthen the corridor while creating new opportunities for residents, entrepreneurs, artists, and visitors. Most importantly, it provides a framework for ensuring that future investment benefits the people who built Little Village, helping prevent cultural and economic displacement while preserving the neighborhood’s identity for generations to come.

Cultural District Map

Map-Outlining-Geographic-Parameters

Little Village is a neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago in Cook County and roughly follows the boundaries of South Lawndale.

 

Also referred to as La Villita, the geographic boundaries of Little Village (Zip Code: 60623) are: West of Western Avenue, east of Cicero Avenue, north of I-55 and south of the BNSF train line.

Purpose of the Little Village Cultural District

  • Promote a distinct historic and cultural community
  • Encourage economic development and support entrepreneurship in the community
  • Encourage the preservation and development of historic and culturally significant structures, traditions, and languages
  • Foster local cultural development and education
  • Provide a focal point for celebrating and strengthening the unique cultural identity of the community
  • Promote growth and opportunity without generating displacement or expanding inequality
Illinois State Cultural District Logo Final
Little Village Cultural District

Community Council

KimClosec

Kim
Close

Executive Director, Foundation of Little Village
Jennifer Aguilar

Jennifer
Aguilar

Executive Director, Little Village Chamber of Commerce
Hugo Avila

Hugo
Avila

CWDP, Co-Director, Central States SER/SERCO, Inc
rob c

Rob 
Castaneda

Executive Director & Co-Founder, Beyond the Ball
Alderman Michael D. Rodriguez

Michael D.
Rodriguez

Alderperson, 22nd Ward
Roman Ruiz

Roman
Ruiz

Area/Community Development Manager, Self-Help Federal Credit Union
Vanessa Sanchez

Vanessa
Sanchez

Director of Education & Yollocalli Arts Reach, National Museum of Mexican Art
Learn How to Become Involved in the Cultural District

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