Long-awaited
Chicago gay center opens

Chicago's long-planned Center on Halsted opened to much fanfare Tuesday, with Mayor Richard Daley showing up for the LGBT center's ribbon-cutting.

Daley secured $5.4 million in loans and subsidies for the construction of the $20 million center.

The new structure, located at 3656 N. Halsted, has a gym, day care services, cyber centers, and counseling facilities. The center's executive director, Robbin Burr, told the Chicago Tribune that she expects 20,000 visitors this year. (The Advocate)