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Robert Harley

Lang Walker: builder of skyscrapers with feet firmly on the ground

The billionaire developer’s common touch gave him an understanding for what business, or home buyers, wanted, and how much they would be able to pay.

Robert HarleyContributor
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One January in the late 1990s, Lang Walker took a day off from skiing in the wealthy US resort of Aspen – he was a competitive sportsman – and invited me to view some ranches suitable for a millionaire in the Roaring Fork Valley.

One Rocky Mountain ranch stood out, with a double height living area, lots of antlers on the walls, and three kitchens – one commercial-scale operation for staff, one for the guests, and one for the family just in case they wanted to make a coffee.

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Robert Harley is a former property editor of The Australian Financial Review. Connect with Robert on Twitter. Email Robert at rob@rharley.com.au
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    Original URL: https://www.afr.com/property/commercial/lang-walker-builder-of-skyscrapers-with-feet-firmly-on-the-ground-20240131-p5f1dg