A Wilmington firm will build luxury apartments next to a master-planned community in Leland, according to an announcement Tuesday.

GHK Cape Fear Development will construct a 360-residence community of upscale rental apartments, called Headwaters Apartment Homes at Brunswick Forest, on land within The Villages at Brunswick Forest, the news release said. 

The first phase of the new Headwaters project, consisting of 216 units, is expected to be finished in fall 2017, according to the release.

“We believe there is strong demand for higher-end rental residences in Brunswick County,” said Brian Eckel, of GHK Cape Fear Development, in the release. “The Villages at Brunswick Forest provides the ideal location because it is right beside the premier master-planned residential community of Brunswick Forest, and an easy drive to downtown Wilmington and the beach communities beyond.”

The Villages of Brunswick Forest, a 160-acre town center, currently has a Lowes Foods grocery store, CVS pharmacy, restaurants and other businesses, as well as medical, dental and veterinary services.

Amenities at Headwaters Apartment Homes at Brunswick Forest are expected to include a resort-style pool with an outdoor grilling kitchen and cabana, and a clubhouse with a full-scale resident business center and cyber lounge featuring WiFi and a premium coffee bar, the release said. Also located in the two-story clubhouse, the fitness center will feature a variety of up-to-date equipment, free weights, group exercise options and a 24-hour cardio and resistance-training studio, according to the release. 

GHK Cape Fear is also the developer of two existing upscale apartment communities in Wilmington: Headwaters Apartment Homes at Autumn Hall off Eastwood Road, and One Midtown off Independence Boulevard.

“Our communities are designed to provide a refined lifestyle for people who simply prefer to rent,” said Eckel in the release. “Renting is most often a choice of financial flexibility for our residents.”

He said the Brunswick Forest location will likely appeal to baby boomers who want flexible, maintenance-free living, as well as people considering building or buying a home in the area in the near future.

Each apartment building will have an elevator to provide residents with ease of access, the release said. One-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans include custom features such as stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, premium cabinetry and brushed nickel hardware and lighting. 

“We look forward to the addition of the Headwaters Apartment Homes to The Villages at Brunswick Forest,” said Brunswick Forest president Jeff Earp in Tuesday's announcement. “The design is first-class and it will only enhance our entire community. We have been aware of the need for this level of rental option for years, and we are excited to partner with GHK Cape Fear Development. Their existing properties and proven track record provide us with complete confidence in the outstanding quality of this project.”