We're talking up to 76 stories just north of Pershing Square (that would top the 72-story Library Tower as being the tallest structure in the western half of the U.S.). The hotel-condo combo, dubbed Park Fifth, has been doodled over for more than two decades, but developer David Houk told the Downtown News that most of the approvals are now in place - as is the financing - and a new environmental impact report is being prepared. "Our goal is to start digging in October," said Houk, who began buying up land in the 1970s and 80s.

According to documents Houk has filed with the city, a building entitled for up to 76 stories and housing 750 condominiums would front Hill Street. Another 40-story high-rise at Fifth and Olive is earmarked for a five-star hotel. The 234-room facility would take up the first 15 floors of the smaller tower, with the upper levels devoted to luxury condos with hotel service.