There are few signs of a sour economy at the 1.1-million-square-foot Birmingham Food Terminal & Distribution Center off Finley Boulevard.

The industrial park is one of the few around that has remained more than 90 percent occupied during the nation's worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Last month, the terminal's largest tenant, Coated Steel Corp., renewed a lease for 10 years in its 120,800-square-foot space.

EGS Commercial Real Estate Inc., which owns and leases the property, said the Food Terminal's location has kept it stable during today's trying times, just as its advantageous site has made it a success since the facility was built in the 1950s.

"You have such great access to Interstate 65 and Interstate 20/59 but also to (U.S.) 78 to Memphis," said Marc Eason, chairman at EGS. "With the new interstate (I-22) coming, this is going to be an even better location and I think all of our tenants recognize that."

Coated Steel's is just one of several lease renewals at the property. Another tenant, Interior/Exterior Building Supply, renewed a 30,625-square-foot lease earlier this year. The New Orleans-based company provides drywall, plaster, metal framing and insulation products.