CHANNEL DISTRICT - It has been four years since Synergy Properties won the right to build an apartment complex on more than 7 acres owned by the city.

In a few months, the first residents will move into the one-, two- and three-bedroom units as a pivotal piece falls into place in this emerging urban neighborhood.

The year of construction for Seaport Channelside was miraculously trouble-free, said Michael DeMarcay, Synergy's vice president.

Little rain. No hurricanes. Cooperation from the city for permits and inspections. In other words, nothing to impede a large apartment complex from rising in a spot surrounded by condominium projects as the former warehouse district becomes a place people call home.

"It's the singular apartment complex in the Channel District," said Dave Parkinson, the city's development services director. "The developer has been very diligent and responsible.

"And it was a piece of land not without its complexities," Parkinson said, referring to the cleanup required by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

DeMarcay hopes the move-in process also goes without a hitch.

He said he's comfortable with about 35 of the 422 units being filled a month. That will begin at the end of February, and everything should be set, including the courtyard swimming pool, by late 2008. Deposits of $250 are being taken at the leasing office, 1120 E. Twiggs St.

Rents are comparable to those on Harbour Island, said Trish Carney, Seaport's community director. They range from $1,275 for a one-bedroom unit to $3,400 for a two-story penthouse.

Every unit faces a courtyard and has a balcony, DeMarcay said.

Residents will have dry cleaning pickup service, a spa for massages and manicures, a fitness center and air-conditioned storage units. The lobby area will reflect a nautical theme with portholes, blue glass and teak. Six-foot-tall ships ordered from Boston will be on display.

Residents also will have access to a pool table, poker table and plasma TVs.

DeMarcay hopes a deli and other businesses lease the 3,000 to 4,000 square feet of retail space. He originally planned enough space for a grocery store, but the city decided to widen Twiggs to five lanes, taking up Seaport's customer parking.

The five-story parking garage will allow residents to drive to their floor.

"I don't see much elevator usage," DeMarcay said.

Seaport Channelside occupies 6.6 acres, with a 1.3-acre chunk earmarked for a building of about 300 efficiency apartments. The properties are bordered by Twiggs and 12th streets, and Meridian and Raymond avenues.

The complex's rust, blue and yellow buildings are a welcome sight to the city, which used the lot for storage.

"This had zero tax value," Parkinson said. "Now we will soon collect upwards of $1 million a year in revenue. So it's not just a great project for that corner of the Channel District, but it's also a huge economic turnaround."

For information about Seaport Channelside, call (813) 301-0000 or go to www.seaport channelside.com.

Reporter Janis D. Froelich can be reached at (813) 835-2104 or jfroelich@tampatrib.com.