(Photo courtesy of Hardison/Downey Construction)

Construction is underway for First Place-Phoenix, an innovative housing option, near 3rd Street and Thomas Road,.

(Image courtesy of First Place - Phoenix)

An artist rendering of the completed First Place-Phoenix project.

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.