Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today joined Century 21 Owner Al Gindi for the grand reopening of the Century 21's flagship store at 22 Cortlandt Street in Lower Manhattan, directly across from the World Trade Center site. Century 21 has been closed for extensive cleaning and restoration of the property since the September 11th attack. Also attending were Mr. Gindi's partner Sonny Gindi, COO Raymond Gindi, NYS Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, NYC Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development & Rebuilding Daniel Doctoroff, President of the NYC Economic Development Corp. Andrew Alper and Empire State Development Corporation Chairman Charles Gargano.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said, "I am delighted to be here for the much anticipated reopening of Lower Manhattan's major retailer. Everyone in downtown Manhattan including the shoppers, residents and small business owners has been excitedly awaiting the return of Century 21. We are proud of the Century 21 family's commitment to remain in Lower Manhattan and continue the success that has made this store an international phenomenon. Century 21's commitment to being a part of the return of Lower Manhattan is nothing short of amazing, and we are grateful for their perseverance."

Century 21 Owner Al Gindi said, "Our family began this business forty years ago and our roots are here in Lower Manhattan so leaving was not an option. We hope our reopening today sends a clear message that Lower Manhattan is open for business and that Century 21 is part of the effort to rebuild and stabilize Lower Manhattan. On behalf of the entire Century 21 family, I would like to let everyone know how proud we are to be reopening and that we are eager to serve our valued customers from New York City and around the world. To all those who called and emailed, we want you to know how much we appreciate you messages of concern, love and support for our employees and store. My heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone at the City and State - we would not have been to arrive at this day had it not been for your unwavering support."

"The reopening of Century 21 is a sure sign that we're really making progress with rebuilding Lower Manhattan," said Deputy Mayor Doctoroff. "As Lower Manhattan's anchor retailer for four decades, it has been sorely missed since September 11th. I am especially pleased that the City and the State have been able to assist the Gindi family in bringing Century 21 back to the residents, employees and visitors to the downtown area."

"I couldn't be more pleased to be on hand for this momentous occasion," said President Alper. "I know my staff at EDC and everyone else in Lower Manhattan has been waiting for this reopening with great anticipation. I'm sure that Century 21's return will send positive signals to other business in the area to hasten their return to Lower Manhattan."

Store hours for the Manhattan flagship location at 22 Cortlandt Street are Monday - Wednesday & Friday 7:45 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.