If you've been in Westown recently, you'll likely have noticed that even in these economic times, the Aloft Hotel at 1230 N. Old World 3rd St., at Juneau Avenue, is making progress toward its planned December opening.

Other projects, like the Park Lafayette condo construction on the East Side, for example, are also moving ahead.

According to Aloft General Manager Lisa Aldrich, the work is on schedule.

"The building has all five floors up and is topped off. The brick work is being completed on the outside at this time along with pouring the cement base floor inside. They are also in final stages of running all the wires, duct work, etc. We are on pace to have the hotel open the beginning of December," Aldrich told me today.

The 160 rooms in the hotel -- which is a member of W Hotels -- are described as loft-like (hence the name). They boast nine-foot ceilings and large windows to create an open, spacious feel.

There is also an indoor pool, the W xyz bar and a riverwalk with boat slips, among other amenities.

It's great to see progress on these kinds of projects. Maybe they're a sign that we back on the upswing. Not a minute too soon, either.