Apple scraps plans for retail store in New York's Grand Central - report
Apple has allegedly backed out of plans to build a new retail store in the main terminal of New York City's Grand Central Terminal.
Citing a source with New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York Observer reported that Apple has abandoned its plans to build a 16,000-square-foot store on the balconies of Grand Central's main terminal. The project apparently never got past the preliminary stage, and it is believed that negotiations with the MTA fell through.
The publication originally reported in February that Apple was looking to build a store in New York's iconic Grand Central Terminal. The store placement would allow Apple to sell products like the iPhone and iPad to shoppers at the terminal station located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
But the project faced a "long approval process" to place the storefront right in the terminal. Part of the problem with the rumored project was the fact that it would be located in a city landmark.
Supporting the news that the project fell through, Jeffrey Roseman, executive vice president of Newmark Knight Frank Retail, also claimed, via Twitter, that Apple is not coming to Grand Central.
Leasing options available at the terminal would have made it difficult for Apple to build a store with the rumored 16,000 square foot size. The company would have likely needed to combine some retail spaces.
Citing a source with New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York Observer reported that Apple has abandoned its plans to build a 16,000-square-foot store on the balconies of Grand Central's main terminal. The project apparently never got past the preliminary stage, and it is believed that negotiations with the MTA fell through.
The publication originally reported in February that Apple was looking to build a store in New York's iconic Grand Central Terminal. The store placement would allow Apple to sell products like the iPhone and iPad to shoppers at the terminal station located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.
But the project faced a "long approval process" to place the storefront right in the terminal. Part of the problem with the rumored project was the fact that it would be located in a city landmark.
Supporting the news that the project fell through, Jeffrey Roseman, executive vice president of Newmark Knight Frank Retail, also claimed, via Twitter, that Apple is not coming to Grand Central.
Leasing options available at the terminal would have made it difficult for Apple to build a store with the rumored 16,000 square foot size. The company would have likely needed to combine some retail spaces.
Comments
This rumor never made sense to me because the only place in Grand Central with 18,000 square feet (even combining other current retail) is the Oyster Bar restaurant and I couldn't see that going away - it's been there since 1913. It's also not at the street level - it's on a ramp leading down to the lower track level.
Some people thought Apple would take over Vanderbilt Hall, which was originally a waiting room and now used as exhibition space. But then people would have to walk through the Apple Store to get into the terminal. And since this is "public space", I could see major objections to a commercial retailer taking this space.
While Apple might have been interested in the location generally, which is probably what started the rumor, my bet is that they quickly realized there was no place for them in Grand Central, especially not for a large store. There is probably room for a mall-type smaller store.
Interesting rumor. Where would the line go for people waiting for the iPad 3?
125th Street.
Interesting rumor. Where would the line go for people waiting for the iPad 3?
We won't have to worry about that until this time next year.
Interesting rumor. Where would the line go for people waiting for the iPad 3?
Along the railroad tracks.
Having some experience with these parties, their combined participation in a business transaction would make any party run for the exit. Considering what Apple had to endure in Georgetown, I'm surprised they even tried.
Totally this. There are some places that are just too much hassle.
Having some experience with these parties, their combined participation in a business transaction would make any party run for the exit. Considering what Apple had to endure in Georgetown, I'm surprised they even tried.
Given that Apple wanted to build an abomination in Georgetown, they needed to be stopped.
Apple's aluminum and glass style doesn't look good everywhere, and if Apple can't be bothered to design stores that are sensitive to the historical context of a neighborhood, they need to keep out.
They have the business sense of garden snails
Now you know why municipal governments run deficits.
They have the business sense of garden snails
I will not have you insulting (or is that mollusking) the great garden snails of New York!
Given that Apple wanted to build an abomination in Georgetown, they needed to be stopped.
Apple's aluminum and glass style doesn't look good everywhere, and if Apple can't be bothered to design stores that are sensitive to the historical context of a neighborhood, they need to keep out.
Clearly you've never seen some of the better looking Apple stores.
Like this one, in London.
Interesting rumor. Where would the line go for people waiting for the iPad 3?
Aw the place is so packed anyway, no one would have noticed the people anyway.
Now you know why municipal governments run deficits.
They have the business sense of garden snails
Yeah and its really annoying....