There’s no better place to stare down into the abyss of Hoxton Chicago foundation work than from inside an L train. And now, the core is starting to shoot up from the concrete hole in the ground.

Shapack Partners is building the boutique Hoxton Chicago with hotel developer Ennismore in the West Loop.  GREC Architects designed the 12-story, 175-room hotel along with New York City firm Morris Adjmi Architects (Landmark West Loop.)

The former Grant Park Packaging Company building, at 832 West Lake Street, and Vaia Auto, at 850 West Lake, were demolished so Power Construction could begin work. The foundation permit was issued in June; we’re still waiting on the full-build permit.

The Hoxton Chicago is expected to open in 2019.