Stalworth Underground drives piles into the Streeterville sand, as foundation work for the Aloft Chicago Mag Mile continues.

The tower crane was permitted for the Aloft Chicago Mag Mile on March 31, but we’ll have to continue to be patient. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot going on where the newest Streeterville hotel will be planted. You see, there are still piles to drive and sand to dig. LOTS of sand.

I still can’t get my head around the idea that much of Chicago as I know it was beach. But start digging, and you’ll find it. They’ve certainly found it at 243 East Ontario. I bet sand is easier to drive piles through than rock, though. But you’ll have to check with Stalworth Underground about that.

As you may recall, Tishman is building the 18-story, 336-room Aloft Chicago Mag Mile here, designed by Valerio Dewalt Train Associates.