Despite an economic crisis, development projects in Bridgeport are moving forward and thriving on the weakened market.

The former Arcade Hotel at 991 Main St., which dates back to the 1800s, has been converted to apartments and is almost ready to be opened. Developers ?Urban Green Builders? say many of the units already have tenants attached to them. A restaurant and retail space on the first floor is expected to be completed in March.

?There are lots and lots of reasons for people to move to downtown Bridgeport and into apartments like this,? says Eric Anderson, of Urban Green Builders.

The developer says the economy has actually helped the rental market, especially in cities. Urban Green Builders is also behind the City Trust and 144 Golden Hill projects.