Current Portland shop likely to be replaced

Apple is taking steps toward new stores in Portland, Oregon and the Vancouver area in Canada. In Portland, architects working for Apple are said to have submitted plans for a Yamhill Street outlet, between 4th and 5th Avenues at the Pioneer Place shopping center. It would replace the current Pioneer Place shop, located in the basement of the same building. The city of Portland is now taking public comments on the proposed construction.

Apple's plans are said to involve demolishing a two-level building, formerly a Saks Fifth Avenue, and creating a single-level store accompanied by a plaza with stone steps. The suggested outlet would have a block-long, 165-foot glass storefront, and three entrances. It would cover over 9,000 square feet, with ceilings measuring 17.5 feet tall. A back-of-house area could be hidden in a basement level.

Completion of the store could be some time off. The city Design Commission will only first look at the project on March 17th, after which it will still need approval from several other agencies before a vote can be cast. Even if it wins a vote within the next three months, the store may not open until 2013.

Apple has meanwhile posted job listings for a location in the Vancouver surburb of Coquitlam. The shop will be based in the Coquitlam Centre mall, and should open by the end of the year, possibly by September. Apple already has four stores in the Vancouver area.

by MacNN Staff