The newest Bellevue high-rise is a step closer to beginning construction.

Su Development received design approval May 19 for Soma Towers, a two-building development that will feature mixed-use retail, restaurants and residential units.

The development is located at the corner of 106th Avenue Northeast, and Northeast Second Street.

The towers, one of which is 21 stories, the other 18, are scheduled to be built one at a time. The first tower was scheduled be built this year, with the second coming approximately two years later.

Representatives from Su Development did not return phone calls requesting comment.

The developers must now begin applying for permits. Bellevue planner Ken Thiem said the permit process may take anywhere from four to eight months, for a variety of reasons.

The first step in the process for the developers will be gaining the necessary authority to begin excavating land for the five-story underground parking lot.

The buildings will feature a window-heavy, curved exterior. The towers will be linked by a three-story podium.

Above the podium and retail spots, the towers will feature 266 residential units, including 34 affordable housing units.

Thiem said the Soma application isn’t showing to be a trend for new downtown high rises. One other development received design approval downtown, but that appears far from beginning construction.

“We’re all reading that things are picking up,” Thiem said. “If we had two or three of these applications in, I would say it would be a clear sign that things are picking up.”

Nat Levy can be reached at 425-453-4290.