CHICAGO - By this time next year, families on the West Side will have access to specialty healthcare for their children — without needing to travel downtown.

The Austin HOPE Center is now one step closer to opening.

What we know:

The facility, anchored by Lurie Children’s Hospital, reached a major construction milestone Monday with a topping-off ceremony at the site, which is located at Chicago and Lawler avenues.

Community members and project partners watched as crews installed the final steel beam, which participants signed before it was lifted into place — a symbolic gesture ensuring a piece of them will remain in the structure.

The Austin HOPE Center is designed to prioritize equal access to pediatric specialty care — both physical and behavioral — for children in Austin and sur

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