Child Development Centers (CDC) has purchased the site of the former Roosevelt Middle School to build a new early learning facility, according to a news release issued Thursday.

The Erie School Board voted to approve the sale of the 3.58-acre property at W. 23rd and Cranberry St. during its meeting Wednesday evening.

The school district is currently tearing down the school, and CDC hopes to break ground in the spring on its Roosevelt Child Development Center. It is expected to open next fall.

The building will be able to accommodate about 150 children, ranging from infants as young as 6 weeks of age to preschoolers (ages 3-5). There will be a parking lot and playground for enrolled children to enjoy.

The new center will be open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and will create at least 20 jobs.

“We saw this as a perfect opportunity to revive a piece of land that has been a school for so long and have it continue being a resource to the community,” said Rina Irwin, CDC’s Chief Executive Officer, in a statement.

CDC has already obtained a variance from the City of Erie's zoning board, so it can operate a day care facility on the land.

Children who live near the site of the planned facility will no longer need to be bused to the Asbury site in Millcreek Township once it opens.