By Jacquelynn D. Powers, Photographs: Tomas Muscionico

eal-estate tycoons are prevalent in Las Vegas, but rarely do they come in such an attractive package. Not only is Laurence Hallier handsome and charming, but he runs in a celebrity crowd that includes Ryan Seacrest (his best friend), Pamela Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio (his tenants at Panorama Towers). Most impressively, he is surprisingly low-key about these celebrity connections. His entire manner is relaxed, as if he just stumbled into one of the most exciting condo projects Las Vegas has ever seen. In fact, Hallier, 38, took a major risk in developing Panorama Towers back when the real-estate market and his prowess as a builder were unknown quantities. Laurence's wager paid off, and the venture, which now spans four towers, has redefined success in Sin City.

Initially, Panorama was developed as one tower with land for additional construction— provided the first 33- story edifice even sold out. The former advertising mogul partnered with nightclub king Andrew Sasson, another striking entrepreneur with even less real-estate experience. Their collaboration began in 2002 and, on paper, it was not exactly Donald Trump territory. What they did have going for them were moxy, timing, location (behind the Bellagio) and unconventional marketing tactics (such as flying in starlets from Hollywood as sales tools) ...

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