A new stock of luxury, market-rate apartments is beginning to take shape in downtown Newark, where stakeholders hope to attract the type of rental population that can create a 24-hour, seven-day neighborhood that has long eluded the central business district.

Developers say they’re encouraged by the early returns, but are preparing for the market to be tested by larger-scale projects and an influx of additional units. City officials are also preparing for what could be a dramatic uptick in interest from builders — which they will have to balance with public policy goals such as expanding affordable housing for Newark residents.