Construction is underway on First Place - Phoenix, a unique project for adults with autism.
The $15 million project near Third Street and Thomas Road is designed to encourage independent living, connecting residents with autism and other neuro-diversities to their community.
The 87,000-square-foot property will include a four-story apartment building, a transition academy focused on life skills and career readiness, and a leadership institute serving as a national training center for service providers and medical staff.
First Place-Phoenix is the inaugural property for First Place AZ, the sister nonprofit to the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC).
The first residents are scheduled to move in next spring. First Place leaders aim to create residential and post-secondary education models that can be replicated in other communities.