Construction of the ShoShone Lofts at Highlands Ranch will beginin February, opening in January 2002, says Ron Wedgle of LoupDevelopment. Units, ranging in size from 984 sf to 1,732 sf, willcost slightly more than $200 per sf. Loup also is developing a loftproject at $100 per sf more in Lower Downtown less than afive-minute drive from ShoShone Lofts.

Until two years ago, the ShoShone property had been consideredone of Denver's most depressed neighborhoods. Its mountain viewsand downtown proximity have sparked revitalization, with luxurycondo developers leading the way as they raze small homes and olderbuildings. The property provides an unobstructed view of Denver'sskyline, Coors Field, Pepsi Center, Mile High Stadium andmountains.

Ten units already have been sold, according to Linda Amato, anagent with RE/MAX 100 Inc. She and her husband, Gene Smaldone, arepartners in the deal. Their first inroad into the submarket hadbeen three years ago when they bought an older duplex anddemolished it. Since then, she says, land prices have soared200%.