The rain held off long enough on Thursday for city officials to help cut a ribbon at a new apartment complex in Harbour View.

Meridian Harbour View on Harbour Towne Parkway already is about 55 percent leased, said Renee Pulliam, executive vice president for Waverton Associates. She said the company has been pleased with the response to the new apartments, which include one to three bedrooms and have monthly rent payments from $1,000 to $1,700.

“We started pre-leasing about three months ago,” she said. “To be 55 percent leased now, that’s about twice as fast as what you might consider a normal pace, so we’re very pleased with that.”

Pulliam said the numbers indicate there has been high demand for the type of housing the development provides.

“We are pleased with the progress thus far,” she said.

When fully developed, Meridian Harbour View will host 224 apartments. About 90 families have moved in so far, Pulliam said, and only two buildings remain to be completed.

“Within the next month, all construction should be completed,” she said.

The apartments feature 9-foot ceilings, gourmet kitchens, walk-in closets and elevators on the buildings. The gated community will have a clubhouse with a business center, multi-media theater, pool, grilling cabana, fire pit, 24-hour fitness center and concierge services.

Pulliam said the construction cost of the development is estimated around $25 million, and the development is anticipated to bring more than $50 million in economic impact to the region annually.

“This latest development continues the growth momentum in Harbour View and throughout Suffolk,” Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson stated in a press release. “The opening of Meridian Harbour View enhances the diversity and quality of residential development we are promoting and excited about in Suffolk.”

For more information, folks can visit www.meridianharbourview.com.