Garden City trustees granted Alfred Weissman Real Estate, Inc. final site plan approval on their plan to rehabilitate 1300 Franklin Avenue, the former home of Saks Fifth Avenue.

The multi-tenant, multi-use commercial building, which has been vacant since Saks closed its doors in January 2004, will comprise a lower level health club and fitness center (34,868 square feet), retail space (38,715 square feet) and a restaurant (5,000 square feet) on the main level and office space on the upper level (45,430 square feet). Although the building does have a penthouse, it will be used for mechanical equipment only.

Alfred Weissman of Alfred Weissman Real Estate, Inc. took title to the property in February 2005 and is grateful for the board's green light to start construction, which could take anywhere from eight to 12 months with the hopes of getting one tenant in this year. "Everything about this building is going to be special. It's something you can point to with pride and we will not disappoint you."

Philip Doyle, an urban planner and landscape architect, noted repairs will be made to the parking lot, new lighting will be installed and new shrubs and trees planted. The surrounding sidewalk will either be replaced with concrete or pavers to offer a seamless appearance on Franklin Avenue. The stairs off the rear parking lot will be rebuilt and a handicapped ramp added. The parking lot, which will offer 616 parking spots, could possibly provide private spaces for top executives, Weissman's preference. "It's a good sales point," Weissman, a new member of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, said of his desire to attract tenants.

Moreover, the project architect noted that although they are bringing the building away from its "fifties style" façade, its new look will compliment the village's current feel, using a dark colored brick.

Because CB Richard Ellis, until recently, provided services to Alfred Weissman Real Estate, Inc., and because Trustee John Mauk is currently employed as an attorney with CB Richard Ellis, he opted to recluse himself from voting. However, the remaining six trustees as well as Mayor Gerard Lundquist, voted in favor of final site plan approval.

"I'm excited about the Weissmans being in town," Trustee Robert Rothschild said.