The biggest new construction in Crystal Lake in a couple of years broke ground yesterday.

Designed to provide both residential and outpatient services, Camelot has broken ground in Crystal Lake for a 50,000 square foot building on Congress Parkway next to the Post Office.

Here is the firm’s press release:

Camelot breaks ground for residential facility
for autistic children in Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake, IL, July 29, 2010 – Camelot, a nationally renowned provider of educational and therapeutic services for autism, held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday for a residential treatment center in Crystal Lake.

“We intend to be an active member of this community. You have welcomed us with open arms, and we know already we have chosen a wonderful location for our center,” Camelot CEO John Harcourt told the 50 Crystal Lake residents who attended the ceremony.

Harcourt pointed out that this would be the first residential center that Camelot is constructing from the ground up to meet the special needs of its clients. Previously the company had purchased existing buildings and renovated them.

Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley, Chamber of Commerce President Gary Reece and Cindy Sullivan, Executive Director of Options and Advantages for McHenry County joined Harcourt at the podium.

Shepley welcomed Camelot to Crystal Lake and pointed out that Camelot was adding a needed amenity to the community.

He recounted meeting someone who was considering leaving Crystal Lake because his child had special [needs]. Now, with Camelot providing those services, the community can keep and attract families who need special programs for their children.

The residential treatment center will be home to 60 children with various type of autism. The educational program will also serve local children referred by social service agencies.

By equipping children with a means to communicate – often for the first time in their lives – Camelot helps reduce their frustration and negative behaviors.

At Camelot’s residential schools, staff members emphasize skills that are essential to independent living: communication and relationship building. Camelot’s car­ing professionals help children unlock their potential and acquire life-changing skills.

The children are currently living in a Camelot residential center in Des Plaines.

The new 50,000 square foot building in Crystal Lake will provide expanded facilities, including a dormitory allowing each child a private room.

Avram Builders of Naperville is constructing the center, which will include an education building and a gym with a basketball court. Construction is expected to take nine months.

Camelot operates residential treatment centers in Illinois, Kansas, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia.

The company also runs therapeutic schools for children with autism who continue to live at home.