International real estate firm Hines, which has its U.S. headquarters in Houston, broke ground on a new luxury multifamily complex in Waltham on Wednesday.

The complex, located at 36 River St., is Hines’ first for-rent residential project in the Boston area, and will be followed shortly by a second multifamily project in Cambridge.

Designed by Lawrence-based CUBE3 Studio, 36 River will include 200 luxury urban-style residences in a four-story building above a two-level parking garage. The complex will offer amenities such as a resort-style swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an Internet café and a sports lounge.

The building’s exterior features brick along the urban street sides with projecting bays along both River and Farwell streets, while the Charles River elevations and courtyards are primarily clad in cement panels with large windows that take full advantage of the river views.

Units will have high-end finishes including stone counter-tops, stainless steel appliances, high-quality cabinets and lighting and an open kitchen/living design with all-wood floors. Courtyard-facing units will have large exterior balconies that overlook the Charles River.

General Contractor Callahan Inc. expects the first units to be occupied by November 2014, with final completion in April 2015.