DENVER-The Upper Larimer neighborhood may be the next "in" place to live, but without the noise and congestion of its eclectic counterparts. Fire Clay Lofts breaks ground on 53 units that are designed to re-shape the area's image.

BLACK HAWK, CO-The Black Hawk Casino is part of the stakes in a $149-million buy by Majestic Star Casino, based in Gary, IN. Also part of the pot are casinos in Las Vegas and Tunica, MS. Black Hawk's operation has 586 slot machines and six tables

DENVER-Safeway's Cherry Creek location is open for business following a $10-million renovation that makes the store 4,000 sf larger. Its landlord, the Taubman Co., now is in a Catch-22 over plans to relocate the store to make way for a Nordstrom's.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO-A trio of luxury apartment complexes in Colorado Springs brings top dollar, setting a new per unit high. The L'Auberge Broadmoor and L'Auberge Pinecliff have gone for $93,000 and $96,000 per unit, respectively.

DENVER-Embrey Development is pushing ahead on 284 luxury units for the second phase of Gleneagles, which is under a purchase agreement. Principal Capital Management is waiting for the 573-unit project's completion before finalizing a near $26.6-million buyout.

DENVER-City council has enacted a bill to protect 43 historic and architecturally significant buildings in the downtown from demolition. The historic district designation keeps property taxes at 1999 levels and brings rebates in years to come.

DENVER-It's a modern-day gold rush as multifamily developers make their strongest push in 25 years in the Denver region. The surge will continue into 2001 with no signs of overbuilding, predicts a multifamily specialist with Cushman & Wakefield of Colorado.

DENVER-The Downtown's former crown jewel is undergoing a $25-million renovation, calling for the addition of 25,000 sf to its existing 111,000 sf. The Tabor Center will count among its tenants a Disney-owned 23,000-sf ESPN Zone restaurant and sports complex.