Construction is set to begin on what is being called a “prototype” Apple Store in Palo Alto. Plans are to feature an open-space architecture that will draw on the company’s 10 years of iconic retail store design.
AppleInsider reports that Palo Alto, CA city officials said on Thursday that work will begin “any day now” on the $3.15 million project. Permit filings describe a “new prototype” Apple store.
AppleInsider says:
Architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson is the project applicant for the two-story structure that will be located approximately one block away from Apple’s existing downtown Palo Alto store, which is expected to close once the new space is completed.
“Our Palo Alto store was one of our first retail stores when we opened it nearly a decade ago and it’s been incredibly popular,” Apple spokesperson Amy Bessette said. “We are planning a beautiful new store just a few steps away, building on everything we’ve learned from our customers in Palo Alto and around the world.”
Plans submitted to the city for the new Palo Alto location call for a 15,030 sq. ft. store that features a glass roof and facade that allows natural light to fill the open retail space, and offer passers-by an unobstructed view of the store’s interior. A basement and rear mezzanine will serve as office and storage space.
The late Steve Jobs and former Senior Vice President of Retail Operations Ron Johnson oversaw Apple’s first retail store, which opened in May, 2001. The company has opened over 350 stores internationally since, and the stores are considered to be the most profitable in the world per square foot.
