VENTURA OPENS DOORS: Affordable housing and essential services under one roof
With smiles from ear to ear, Mille Lacs Band Chief Executive Virgil Wind does the honors of cutting the ribbon officially opening the Ventura Project on June 30, 2026, along with others who helped bring the vision to fruition. Photo by Vivian LaMoore.
July 30, 2026
By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor
Despite sweltering temperatures that pushed the heat index to 100 degrees, community leaders, Band members, and staff from the Mille Lacs Band and Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures gathered June 30 to celebrate the opening of Ventura, a new affordable housing development that expands access to housing and services for the urban Native community.
Ventura features 36 affordable apartment homes for Band members and other Native households, along with a rooftop playground and shared amenities, including a fitness room, community garden, and on-site laundry facilities. From the rooftop solar panels to the artwork woven throughout the building, Ventura was thoughtfully designed with both sustainability and Native culture in mind. Band member Steve Premo created the artistic elements incorporated into the windows and other features throughout the facility.
The first floor is home to the Mille Lacs Band Urban Office, Aanjibimaadizing, and Nayaadamaagejig family services, making it easier for residents to access important resources close to home. By bringing housing and essential services together in one location, Ventura helps strengthen community, promote stability, and support the long-term well-being of Native families in the urban community.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Chief Executive Virgil Wind said Band leadership has long heard from members living in the urban area about the need for better access to housing, services, and other Band resources. "This beautiful facility now stands to show our Urban membership our commitment to them and to their families. What an exciting day."
Wind thanked everyone who helped bring the Ventura Project from concept to completion. He recognized the many individuals and organizations that contributed along the way, including the Band Assembly — specifically Representative Wendy Merrill, whom he credited for her persistence in moving the necessary legislation forward the Mille Lacs Band, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures staff, and the City of Minneapolis.
He also thanked the architects, engineers, designers, artists, and many others whose work helped bring Ventura to life. "More than 100 hands touched this work," he said. "This is a demonstration of what can happen when we work collectively. This is an example of a home that can hold it all."
With two weeks remaining in her four-year term, District Il Representative Wendy Merrill echoed Wind's gratitude for everyone who helped bring the Ventura Project to completion, as well as the Urban Area community that will benefit from it.
"Housing is more than just a roof over our heads," Merrill said. "It represents stability, security, and a foundation for our families. Moreover, for our Urban members, having your own space is crucial. It is not only about having a physical place to live; it's about fostering a sense of belonging and community. It's about creating environments where we can celebrate our culture, support one another, and empower ourselves."
District I Representative Carolyn Beaulieu called Ventura "a long overdue project" and thanked everyone who helped make it a reality. "I am just so excited to be here to celebrate this wonderful new chapter for the Mille Lacs Band Urban Office and the community," she said.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said what impressed him most was that Ventura was never simply about building apartments. "What is striking to me is there are no numbers attached to this project," Frey said. "You are not seeing numbers—-you are seeing the human being, the individual, the person."
Frey said that people-first approach is what makes developments like Ventura so meaningful. He thanked Chief Executive Wind, Rich Ginsberg, and everyone involved in bringing the project to completion, saying the investment reflects a commitment to seeing residents as individuals rather than statistics while providing families with the foundation they need to succeed.
'The first step has to be a home," Frey said. "And what a beautiful home you have created."
District Site Director Wahbon Spears gave special recognition to Band member Steve Premo, whose artistry beautifies the new building with window art that represents the four seasons and the artwork inside the building.
'I am honored to help open this next chapter," Spears said.
With Ventura now open, individuals interested in becoming residents can contact Mille Lacs Band Community Development at 320-532-7448 or email: cmd.receptionist@mille-lacsband.com. Staff can answer questions about eligibility and help guide applicants through the process.
More:
The four-story, mixed-use development includes:
• 36 affordable homes for Band member families and Native households
• The Mille Lacs Band Urban Office
• Aanjibimaadizing
• Mille Lacs Band Human Services
Location:
Ventura Housing Development
1520 E 23rd St,
Minneapolis, MN 55404
