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Apple reportedly planning NYC cube-like structure for new Chicago River store

Apple plans to relocate its main Chicago, Illinois retail store from its current location at 679 North Michigan Avenue to a newer flagship space at the edge of the Chicago River, reports Crain’s Chicago Business. According to the report, Apple will likely build “a new glass structure” in front of a 35-story office building as an entry to the Apple Store, with most of the store “below ground” in a design resembling the iconic Fifth Avenue Apple Store in New York City.Although it’s located in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile retail district, the current North Michigan Avenue store is now 12 years old, and relatively plain. The new Apple Store is expected to use basement space underneath Pioneer Court, the plaza in front of the office building, which previously served as a food court. It will technically remain on the same street as the prior store, but shift a half-mile south to 401 North Michigan Aevenue, capturing increased foot traffic attributable to the popularity of “Millennium Park as a top tourist destination in recent years.”

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Comments

  1. shareef777 - 9 years ago

    Seems like a strange choice as this would move it further away from where most foot traffic is.

    • Angel Vazquez - 9 years ago

      True, but does Apple really rely on foot traffic? Do most people walk by and think, “hey, maybe I’ll buy a $1400 computer today.” I feel like on the river it would have a lot more visibility to more than people who are just walking by.

      • They are relying on the Riverwalk, Trump Towers, The Park, The Lake, The Restaurants and the whole atmosphere. Appl

  2. daving313 - 9 years ago

    There’s definitely space there at that address, but that’s only like what – a quarter mile closer to Millennium Park? I think they want a fancy store space, regardless of proximity to Millennium Park.

  3. rogifan - 9 years ago

    On Jony Ive’s bio page on apple.com it says he’s responsible for “major architectural projects such as Apple Campus 2 and Apple’s retail stores”. I wonder exactly what that means. Does he assist with store design once a location is selected or is he actually involved in decisions on where stores are located? I’d be curious to know his responsibilities vs. the real estate folks that work under Angela. According to the rumors on Campus 2 apparently Apple corporate is micromanaging that product (which I’m sure Steve would be doing if he were still alive).

  4. Tony - 9 years ago

    I happen to live in the neighborhood and that location will be a wonderful setting for a jewel-like Apple Store like the Fifth Ave one in New York.

  5. calisurfboy - 9 years ago

    Chicago? Make sure its bullet proof glass.

    • rettun1 - 9 years ago

      What a silly comment. I visited California recently and everyone I spoke to asked me how often I hear gunshots and sirens living in Chicago, or made snide comments like yours acting like the whole city is half skyscrapers, half mad max.

      • AeronPeryton - 9 years ago

        Naw, in California people just drive entire cars into an Apple Store.

    • Cute, but Chicago is not really that bad. You talking 390 homicides in a city of 3 million people. Adjust population and we are not that bad. Also, crime is concentrated in two areas, West Side(Austin and North Lawndale) and South Side(Inglewood and the surrounding). Downtown is the most beautiful place in America in the summer.

  6. claytonkimball - 9 years ago

    Sad. I love the current store and find it very classy.