A Gleaming New Apple Store Has Officially Opened On The Riverfront

By Emma G. Gallegos in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 19, 2017 7:43PM

Today an ultra-modern new Apple store opened right on the Chicago River, replacing the company's flagship store on the Magnificent Mile. The 20,000-square-foot property takes advantage of its riverfront location at 401 N. Michigan Ave. with floor-to-ceiling walls that allow shoppers to take in the view. The store is hosting a grand opening tomorrow.

But Apple would prefer you don't call this space a store but their preferred nomenclature: town square. This riverfront location is certainly a space to promote the company's brand of corporate, creative chic. Apple will be bringing in musicians, app developers, graphic designers and photographers into the new space for sessions and performances. It calls the new building "a space for the next generation of creative pioneers to come together, connect, and share their talent."

The building was designed by Foster & Partners, the London-based architectural firm that also designed Apple's Cupertino headquarters. Its roof resembles a laptop. The space looks a lot like your typical Apple store, but on a grander scale. And Crain's points out there are a lot more warm wood details than your average mall location. And in keeping with its town square theme, the front of the store has a flatscreen for events along with wood-and-leather cubes for seating. There's also a "boardroom" in the back that is free for anyone to use. Outside is a courtyard open to the public.

The riverfront location of this retail store is right on trend, as Chicago tries to woo tech companies and mixed-use development to the banks of the Chicago River. The property is valued at $71.4 million, which makes it the fourth most expensive retail space in Chicago history, Crain's reports. Chicago investment firm Walton Street Capital purchased the property along with a neighboring office, betting that the space will be wildly successful.