After more than a half-year of foundation work, the J.H. Snyder Company has kicked off vertical construction for its new apartment tower on the Miracle Mile.

Two weeks ago, the Los Angeles-based developer installed a tower crane at the future site of the Wilshire Curson Building, located just east of the LACMA campus at 620 S. Curson Avenue.  The 21-story building will feature 285 rental units, as well as parking for 410 vehicles on two basement levels.

Designed by MVE + Partners, the tower is depicted in renderings as a contemporary glass-clad building, capped with a rooftop pool deck.

J.H. Snyder Co. originally received approvals to construct the development as a 250,000-square-foot office expansion of the adjoining Museum Square complex, but changed its plans to an apartment tower just over one year ago.  To stay within the approved building envelope, the height of the new tower is capped at approximately 200 feet.

A dedicated YouTube page tracks progress at the Wilshire Curson development.

The project site sits in clear view of the LACMA campus, which is poised for a dramatic makeover designed by architect Peter Zumthor.