Approvals slow plans for Apple retail
updated 08:05 pm EDT, Tue October 24, 2006
San Luis Obispo on hold
Plans for an Apple retail store in downtown San Luis Obispo are on hold indefinitely, after the company showed initial interest in renovating one retail location in area, but ran into a few obstacles. Following recent news of upcoming stores in Denver and Chicago as well as a third location in Manhattan, the San Luis Obispo Tribune report says despite early discussions about the company’s storefront design, momentum has slowed to a standstill. "As of now, it is in Apple’s court as to whether they are moving forward and the timing for moving forward," city officials told the publication. "The application is on hold." Apple submitted an application with the city earlier this year to take over 899 Higuera St., the previous location of the Express for Men store at the Downtown Centre. City officials speculated that momentum may have slowed because the company was unable to launch the store before the lucrative holiday shopping season
The report says that Apple’s design was initially approved in July by the Cultural Heritage Committee; however, the committee set out several conditions for the retailer "to achieve the design goals of the historic downtown," the report said.
The changes including reducing or eliminating use of stainless steel in the facade, retaining the windows on Morro Street to allow pedestrians to see in and keeping the bulkhead in place.
Apple's meeting with the Architectural Review Committee, originally scheduled for early August was continued a few weeks to give Apple additional time to make design changes, but the Cupertino-based company later requested an "indefinite" continuance.
The company faced similar store front design hurdles in both Boston and the Flatiron District of Manhattan--later abandoning plans for the Manhattan store location, but continued seeking approval for its revised store front design in Boston. The company received approval for its Apple store on Boylston Street approved last week.
Separately, a new report today confirmed Apple's plans for a third retail space in Manhattan.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2006
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I don't see what the big deal is???? Look at all the other companies that have "integrated" their designs into historic architecture. The one that screams out to ME is McD's. They can put a G-starches in Old Town Boston. If THEY can do it any one can! For a company with a lot of vision they sure splatted flat on this one.
Oh well. I'll still buy them anyway! (C=