Rehabilitation Services Center

By 1963, the University Division of Rehabilitation-Education was located in World War II barracks buildings [1] in the field between First and Oak Streets and Gregory and Stadium Drive. [2] At the time it served 205 students, 121 of whom were in wheelchairs. [3]

The need for a new home for the division was recognized and bidding for the new construction began in May 1963. [4] The facility was to cost $856,413, [5] with around "$300,000 from a federal Hill-Burton grant, $300,000 from University funds and $100,000 from the Robert R. McCormick Charitable Trust" and other gifts. It was designed by Ganster & Hennighausen in conjunction with University Architect Ernest L. Stouffer, [6] and built by A. F. Krall Construction Co. Inc, with the contract awarded June 19, 1963. [7]

Opened in September 1964, the facility was designed to handle up to 300 students and offer [8]

facilities and offices for administration, federal-state agencies, counseling, services to the blind and deaf, a Braille library, tape library for the blind, vocational resource library, work evaluation and training, medical services, physical therapy and functional training, occupational therapy, prosthetic services, facilities and equipment, special services, dressing rooms and showers

The building featured a north wing named the Robert R. McCormick Medical Services Unit, in honor of his foundation's support of the project. A second stage was planned to eventually add "a gymnasium-auditorium, hydrotherapy, therapeutic swimming pool, recreational offices, additional therapy, and staff lounge". [9]