A groundbreaking for a luxury apartment complex on North Frontage Road took place Thursday with two bulldozers plowing dirt on an acre of land behind the Bienville Apartments.

Vicksburg and Warren County officials and gathered to celebrate the project scheduled for completion in a year.

Tim Cantwell, owner of Bienville, is building the 132-unit, three-story complex across from Triumph Church.

&#8220We always had it in our minds to add more apartments here,” said Cantwell, a resident of Los Angeles.

Cantwell said he bought the property in 1978 with the intention of building apartments. After his partners in the venture decided not to go through with the project, Cantwell said he bought out his partners and began working on the development about four years ago. He said he decided to build apartments on the land because he has seen a need for living space in Vicksburg, especially now with new residents in the area since hurricane Katrina.

&#8220I really enjoy being here,” said Cantwell, who spent many of his childhood summers with his grandparents in Jackson. &#8220I have a great team of people.”

City and county government officials said the project is good for Vicksburg.

&#8220This is what our economy needs,” said South Ward Alderman Sid Beauman. &#8220I want to see us quit talking about potential and make it real.”

Warren County District 4 Supervisor Carl Flanders welcomed the multimillion-dollar investment. &#8220Thank you for your confidence,” Flanders said.

North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield said the development is a sign of growth in the community.

The complex, named Park Residences at Bienville, will include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, Cantwell said.

He said the monthly rent will range between $600 and $900.