The creators of City Block, an apartment complex that marked the start of more housing development in downtown Wilmington for the first time in decades, are preparing for the project's next phase.

They will add 56 one-bedroom units to the development, and are getting close to submitting the latest drawings of the new apartments to the city of Wilmington, said Tom Davis, managing partner of City Block Apartments LLC.

"I'd like to be out of the ground within four to six months," Davis said of the potential construction timeline.

Construction started about five years ago on the existing 112 apartments at City Block, 814 N. Third St. These days, Davis said, those units are 100 percent leased with a waiting list.

The new four- and five-story apartment building at City Block will be at the corner of Bladen and Fourth streets.

"We're adding some amenities," Davis said, including an indoor-outdoor pool, a three-tiered fitness center, a rooftop patio, a business center and a conference room. 

Rents at City Block start at $1,059 for a one-bedroom apartment.

"That's the largest wait list we have is for one bedrooms," Davis said.

He said he thinks one of the reasons the complex has been so successful is because "residents are connected to retail services, dining, nightlife and recreation, all there within walking distance of downtown."