While retail growth remains stagnant in some state and national markets, an Athens developer is moving forward on several projects.

Construction crews are working to complete an 11,000-square-foot retail office and shopping center on U.S. 72 East, next to Zaxby’s. The project, being developed by Ming Enterprises, will be called French Farm Pavilion II.

Developer Bill Ming said he began the project about a year ago and construction started two months ago.

“It will be a sister building to the building behind Zaxby’s,” he said. “They will all compliment each other in the shadow of U.S. 72.”

Ming said the development is 100 percent leased and will be occupied by Cellular South, Burrito Express, Madison Pools and a second location for the Coleman Dental Group. He expects the development to be complete by spring 2012.

He said those businesses were chosen because they planned to expand or relocate.

“It’s a great location and it will be a retail hub for Athens and Limestone County,” he said.

Ming said North Alabama continues to defy national economic trends.

“Businesses are still approaching things in a conservative way based on the conditions of the economy, but we’re still relatively stable and one of the bright spots,” he said. “What drives growth is consumer optimism, and as long as our economy from Athens to Huntsville remains stable, we’ll have consumer optimism, though they may view things conservatively.”

Ming said he’s continuing to work on two other projects, the expansion of French Farm Pavilion and additional retail space that will be developed at the Publix shopping center.

“The approach I take is to design the project and then start marketing the project,” he said. “I would anticipate you might see some activity some time next year.”