Trucks/Cranes Move In to Start Construction on 24 Story High-rise at 1136 S. Wabash

A reader writes:

Any idea what is going on just north of Five Guys on Wabash? They have that crappy parking lot all fenced off and this morning had a ton of activity - big trucks and cranes.

Another condo building perhaps?

Indeed!  This is going to be another apartment building:

As you may recall, we posted about this plan back in March of 2015.  But yesterday, Curbed Chicago posted some new news:

The South Loop neighborhood is about to get another big tower project. At 26-stories tall, the new tower for 1136 S. Wabash Ave. is not going to be breaking any height records, but with 320 units, 9,000 square feet of retail, and 143 spaces for vehicle parking, it’s quite a dense development. Initially proposed as a 24-story, 280-unit building, it now appears that Keith Giles, the project’s developer, is looking to max out the total units and height allowed for the site. The city issued new construction permits for the project yesterday which will allow the developer to build out the tower’s foundation.

We also saw the huge trucks and cranes from the El, so it appears this guy is happening.

The Curbed article also brings up an interesting point:

It should also be noted that the site is also the location of one of the better known Flyboy murals from famed local artist and muralist Hebru Brantley. Judging by the elevations and renderings for the project, it is highly likely that the podium base of the new building will block the popular mural.

Seems unfortunate that such a cool and high-profile mural is going to be blocked, but I guess it was to be expected.

 (Hat tip:  TM!)