• ARA recently brokered the sale of a three-property portfolio totaling 165 units in central Denver. Boutique Apartments sold the buildings to an undisclosed national real estate investment and property management company for $22.4 million. The properties include: the Metropolis, a 71-unit high rise at 2350 S. University Blvd.; Shambhala, a 60-unit community at 1011 Colorado Blvd. and Red Fort, a 36-unit building at 136 S. Pennsylvania St.
• Brinkman Construction has started work on a new 41,943 square foot project at 17th and Walnut streets in Boulder. The luxury multi-family project is being developed by a group of investors led by Boulder-based Element Properties.
• Colorado Creative Industries is accepting online applications for the 2014-2015 Career Advancement program grants, supporting creative entrepreneurs and artists. Information: .
• Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores Inc. will open a new Sears Hometown Store at 700 Ken Pratt Blvd. in Longmont. The store will celebrate its grand opening Feb. 28 through March 1.
• Real Goods Solar Inc. has changed the ticker symbol for its Class A common stock listed on Nasdaq from “RSOL” to “RGSE.”
• Noodles & Co., serving classic noodle and pasta dishes from around the world, announced that it will open its first location in Florida on State Road in Orlando, Fla.
