Leading the way is Giorgio Borlenghi, president of InterfinCorp., a real estate development company founded in 1978.Interfin's development projects in Houston include the Four-LeafTowers condominiums and Four Oaks Place office complex. His latestproject — a 27-story, 100-unit structure situated on the banks ofBuffalo Bayou — range in size from 2,400 to 5,000 sf. and costupward of $470,00 each.

In 1980, Borlenghi set the tone for the city's luxury high-riseconstruction despite the onset of the tumultous 1980s when realestate markets took a nosedive statewide. The prestigious Four-LeafTowers consisted of two 40-floor condominiums, with 200 units each.Its elegance, boasting marble countertops and baths, and savvymarketing are a testament to Borlenghi's foresight. For 14 years,he waited as he focused on other projects for just the right timingto undertake a second luxury high-rise, a project that broke groundtwo years ago. His second project, the Villa d'Este, opened in Juneand is 90% sold, say area real estate professionals.

Meanwhile, other developers are following Borlenghi's lead tobuild downtown luxury high-rises. Developer Sam Lutfak will beginconstruction on a 25-story, 117-unit Ar'talia at 1515 Rusk nearEnron Field, home to the Houston Astros. Plans also are under wayto convert downtown's 914 Main St. into "Commerce Towers,"featuring 120 luxury condominiums. Analysts say high-rise livingdefinitely is catching on in Houston, evidenced by $150 million insales last year in comparison to $6 million in 1985. High-levels ofsecurity offered at the luxury complexes are part of the attractionfor their popularity, according to market watchers.