Construction has started on One Grant Park, a 76-story rental tower at 1200 S. Indiana Ave. in the South Loop.
Chicago building permit documentation says the city issued a $7.3 million foundation-only permit in October under the direct development pilot program. A public relations agency for the developer says construction started in December. James McHugh Construction Co. is the project’s general contractor.
The building is owned by S Loop Chicago Development II, LLC, associated with Crescent Heights, a trademark used by a group of limited liability companies and partnerships.
The Rafael Viñoly-designed building (the building permit architect of record is J. Douglas Bargmann) will include 792 luxury apartments overlooking Grant Park and, at 829 feet, be one of the city’s tallest residential buildings. The project will be completed by early 2019.
“We’re excited to begin construction on a building that will deliver an exceptional living experience befitting – and named after – this coveted location alongside Grant Park,” said Bruce A. Menin, managing principal at Crescent Heights. “Rafael Viñoly is an architectural icon, and David Rockwell’s experience in creating memorable environments is unparalleled. Working with just one of them would have been a privilege, but developing a project with both to create One Grant Park has been one of the most extraordinary experiences of my career.”
“To have the opportunity to bookend this remarkable open space is a responsibility that we continue to be aware of every day,” Viñoly said in a statement. “One Grant Park takes on the structural clarity, and the logic of purpose, that characterizes Chicago’s great high-rise building tradition.”
“We are thrilled to be part of One Grant Park’s creative team,” said David Rockwell, founder and president of Rockwell Group, which designed the building’s interiors. “We hope to capture Chicago’s rich history of modernism and spirit of creativity and innovation in our design.”
Once completed, the development will represent one of the final pieces within the Central Station master plan, a development that was previously stalled by the recession. The 3-acre site was purchased by S Loop Chicago Development, LLC in 2012.
“Our firm has enjoyed a presence in the Chicago market since 1999,” said Tomer Bitton, Crescent Heights’ Chicago-based principal. “Over the past 18 years, it has been an honor to create inspirational residential communities in many of Chicago’s most sought-after neighborhoods, from the South Loop, to the Gold Coast, to the West Loop. We look forward to continuing that tradition with One Grant Park, demonstrating our continued commitment to the prosperity and architectural legacy of this great city.”
Crescent Heights’ current portfolio in Chicago includes the recently acquired North Harbor Tower, Burnham Pointe, Park Michigan, Astoria Tower, Echelon at K Station and The LEX.
