Are we just days away from the construction start of Rafael Viñoly’s new South Loop tower?

There’s no doubt that 2016 has been a significant year for construction starts and completions in Chicago, but one more major project may finally break ground before the new year. Developer Crescent Heights obtained a construction permit back in October to begin work on the planned 76-story skyscraper at 1200 S. Indiana, but all has been quiet at the site since. However, the building watchers over at the SkyscraperPage forums have suggested that there is new evidence that indicates that construction on the 792-unit tower could start sometime next week.

According to the notice that is shared, only preliminary tasks such as clearing the site and fencing off the property are expected to begin this month. The real construction work, like drilling for foundation caissons, may not start until January. The notice suggests that McHugh Construction—who just participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new McDonald’s HQ in the West Loop—will be the contractor working on the new high-rise project. We’ve reached out to a public relations representative working with McHugh Construction to confirm the details.

Designed by Uruguay-born architect Rafael Viñoly, the tower, simply titled 1200 South Indiana, is one of a handful of tall tower projects from high profile architects to be proposed in Chicago in recent years. In more recent months, there have been some reports that question the health of the Chicago rental market and whether the city can sustain the high level of new construction. However, the plan for 1200 South Indiana is broken up into phases that could eventually see the completion of a second, taller twin should market conditions permit it.

• Rafael Viñoly’s 76-story South Loop tower lands construction permit [Curbed Chicago]
• Chicago Skyline Set for Change as Plan Commission Approves Big Projects [Curbed Chicago]
• The New Class of Skyscrapers That Will Forever Change the Chicago Skyline [Curbed Chicago]