LAS VEGAS - Can you transplant success? It would seem that the Soffer clan is trying to do just that. Hoping to replicate their 1970s success at the famous Turnberry Isle Resort and Club in Aventura, Fla., Donald and Jeffrey Soffer are building large now out West in Las Vegas.

The project carries a familiar name - Turnberry Place, and so far it seems to be working. Already 135 units out of 183 units in the first of four planned 38-story, luxury condominium towers in this $600 million project have been sold. Prices for the 1,550 sq. ft. to 7,500 sq. ft. residences range from $355,000 to more than $3 million. The project fronts onto Paradise Road directly across from the Las

Vegas Hilton. The lifestyle, though, is decidedly private, featuring a private club with the feel of a resort.

Turnberry Place may be located just off the famous Vegas Strip, but it features some interesting pyrotechniques that would make Sigfried and Roy proud. Keeping in mind that ground has just been broken on the first tower, the marketing centerpiece is a virtual reality model tour that allows potential homeowners to experience the Vegas skyline from the 20th floor. The entire 2,795 sq. ft. apartment was "floated" within a larger structure to provide more realistic horizon sight lines. "We believe this is the perfect way to tell our customers about Turnberry Place in a consistent format," says Turnberry Associates principal Jeffrey Soffer.

Project financing for the first tower, scheduled for completion in December 2000, is being provided by Bank of America. The total 15-acre project, at buildout, is expected to have 740 residences.