"Easter Seals has a long and distinguished history of working to prevent birth defects and helping to care for children suffering the effects of birth defects," said Mayor Daley. "This facility will not only enrich the lives of those individuals living with autism but help to provide valuable research into the causes and treatment of autism."

The center is scheduled to be developed in four phases. Phase one will include a 45,000 square foot two-story therapeutic day school for 150 children, research facility. Easter Seal offices will occupy a separate portion of the building. When completed the center will boast two residential buildings for young adults with autism, gymnasium and pool.

The buildings will frame a new softball field and soft surface playground. An adjacent outdoor parking lot for 76 cars also will be constructed. The entire center will be surrounded by landscaped grounds and dozens of trees.

The 3.4-acre site is bounded by 13th Street, Hastings Street, Damen Avenue and Wolcott Avenue. The property was conveyed to the City of Chicago by the Illinois Medical District in a land exchange to facilitate site assemblage.

For almost 70 years, Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago has provided comprehensive services for individuals with disabilities or other special needs and their families to improve their quality of life and maximize their independence.