Construction said to be worth $2.7 million

Construction crews hired by Apple are already doing renovation work for the future Bologna, Italy Apple Store, accounts say. The company is taking up residence in Via Francesco Rizzoli 16, a historic three-level building near Piazza Maggiore. The scale of the store is such that it may compete with some of Apple's most high-profile outlets in cities like London, Paris and New York.

Renovations are currently said to be focused on the exterior masonry. The project is not a small one, as permit documents show that the construction work is valued at about $2.7 million, and should take 240 days to finish. The timing will push the store well past a rumored spring 2011 opening into 2012.

The architectural firm involved is noted to be Goring & Straja Studio, which has office footprints in Rome, Milan, and Berkeley in California. Rome and Milan in particular are home to two of only four present Apple Stores in Italy. The others are situated in Bergamo and Torino.

by MacNN Staff