Introduced as "Mr. 501" because he spearheaded major renovations to Bookspan's new corporate headquarters at that address on Franklin Avenue, Bill Gatti, senior vice president of Human Resources and Administration, described Friday's ribbon cutting ceremony as a "marriage of people and space and the reinforcement of need and harmony that it creates."

The multi-billion-dollar conglomerate created 450 additional jobs at the new site, doubling the workforce to 900 employees. 501 Franklin now includes Bookspan's executive, marketing and administrative operations and Bertelsmann mediaSystems (BmS) data center. Originally built in 1910 with Theodore Roosevelt laying the cornerstone, New York State Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell said it's truly a pleasure to drive by and absorb the beautiful nature and character that's been preserved and protected. Formerly the home of Doubleday, the building also served as a fitting homage to England's Hampton Court.

"It's an honor to be able to combine the beauty of books with the beauty of a structure that lends so much to this community and will continue to support this community in every way it can for decades and decades to come," O'Connell said. "I'd like to thank them [Bertelsmann and Bookspan] for a job well done in promoting employment in this community. This is very important as we face many challenges of the post-9/11 economic climate in New York."

Doubleday was sold to Bertelsmann AG, a privately held international media company, in 1986. Approximately one year later, Bertelsmann declared the Garden City location book club headquarters. In March 2000, "Book of the Month Club," then owned by Time Warner, which later became known as AOL Time Warner, and Bertelsmann AG formed a partnership. The two multi-media giants combined forces to form the biggest book club marketer in America.

The merger practically doubled the size of the business, captured about 90 percent of the book club market overnight and changed its name to Bookspan. The company currently attracts 10 million members a year in each of its book clubs, including Literary Guild and Book of the Month Club.

Gatti, who a week ago was in the city of Prague in the Czech Republic, remarked about the wonderful and enduring architecture the city offers its residents and citizens and visitors. "This building here at 501 [Franklin Avenue], by European standards of course, is only an infant. But it stands as a testimonial to our business vision and tenacity. As we move forward now we see it as a place of strength and beauty. As Sylvia Smith said not too long ago, 'the building is smiling again.' And that's really so true. We promise to take care of it much better this time around."

Markus Wilhelm, Bookspan president and CEO, admitted, "When Bill told me this project was going to cost us an arm and a leg I didn't know how right he was ... This is a wonderful event for Bookspan and for Garden City," Wilhelm said.

He applauded the "extraordinary" leadership of many individuals, particularly O'Connell and State Senator Kemp Hannon, who helped get the project completed on time and within budget. Nelson DeMille, Bookspan's best-selling author and Wilhelm's friend, was on hand to officially open the new building.

"We'll do all we can to keep this community booming for years to come. Thank you all for bringing 501 Franklin so beautifully back to life," Wilhelm said.

Garden City Village Administrator Bob Schoelle, Jr. noted his village colleagues, including Mayor Robert Lewis, are pleased with the outstanding job that's been done on the refurbishment of the building and campus to probably something better than its original state. "I welcome all and hope Garden City is your new home town away from your home town."

Hannon echoed Schoelle's remarks, saying, "Thank you to Bertelsmann and Bookspan for doing this - the accomplishment is incredible. I welcome you because this is a real critical mass and it shows what the state has been trying to do. A better tax climate, a better business climate without ignoring what needs to be supported along the way with regard to education and healthcare. Congratulations."

The vast acreage offers parking spaces for more than 1,000 cars with a pedestrian bridge linking both 401 and 501 Franklin. The "resurrected" 501 Franklin is 135 to 140,000 square feet. Gatti assures Bookspan will continue on as the village's southern anchor.