New Center for Disabilities Services to Break Ground Wednesday in Apple Valley

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday for a new disabilities services facility in Apple Valley.

Lifeworks Services, Inc. provides resources to people with disabilities in areas ranging from job training and career development, to social opportunities, to therapy and health. It can provide transportation and financial help for families, according to its website.

The company plans to build an 18,000-square-foot building for employment training and social programming on 2.2 acres at Johnny Cake Ridge Road and Upper 147th Street West, according to a press release.

The facility is set to open this fall, according to the release.

It will include some improved design elements also featured at Lifeworks' recently remodeled Brooklyn Park facility, the release says, including "improved sight lines for client observation and bus transfers, overhead track lift system to transfer clients from their wheelchairs to other locations, more windows, and a fitness center...."

The architect on the project is Lampert Architects, and the general contractor is R J Ryan, the release says.

Plans for the building have been in the works since 2011. The approved the building plans and permit in September.

The Lifeworks facility will be just one entity occupying the total 18.7 acres called Eagle Ridge Business Park; the owner of the properties expects to sell the land in about two-acre lots, according to planning commission meeting documents.

Editor's note: The original version of this article incorrectly listed the location of the new building. It is located at Upper 147th Street West and Johnny Cake Ridge Road.