A Boston developer is looking to build a $60 million apartment complex with 278 units between the JFK/UMass MBTA station and the Shaw’s Supermarket on Morrissey Boulevard — a potential step toward a more extensive development with restaurants, shops, and office space along the sparsely populated roadway.

David Greaney, president of Synergy Investments, said his firm has sent a letter of intent to the Boston Redevelopment Authority, outlining its plans for the nearly 93,000 square-foot-property. Renderings show a two-building, five-and-a-half-story complex with a club room, gym, parking garage and lots, and courtyard. .

Greaney said he expects the apartments to be the first phase of a larger development in the neighborhood, helping to spur investment in retail and other business opportunities around the JFK/UMass station.


“We’ve got to get this first step right,’’ he said, “instead of being too aggressive and having a bunch of empty store front and offices.’’

Despite the complex’s proximity to the UMass Boston campus, Greaney said he hopes residents will be a “cross section of Boston’’ from “different income levels, different jobs, different neighborhoods.’’

“We’re really trying to gear this building more to working professionals, young families, and people working in Boston,’’ he said. Rents for the apartments — a mix of studios and lofts, as well as one- and two-bedroom units — are expected to range from $1,200 to just over $2,000 a month.