Filed under: Apple Corporate, Retail, Odds and ends, Apple
New Apple Store at North and Clybourne in Chicago
My current city of Chicago isn't really suffering for Apple Stores -- the one on Michigan Avenue kind of makes up for any other missed areas around here, as it's the nicest and biggest one I've seen (but then again, I haven't been to the ones in New York near Mr. Rose). But it's good to hear that we're going to be getting another store, this one a little bit outside the Loop, on the city's northside. State Street and the theater area, you might think, would be a little more fitting for the next big retail center, but no: apparently the burgeoning retail area between a gutted Cabrini Green and Lincoln Park is the place to be. Coincidentally, I used to work as a manager at the North Halsted Borders there -- served cafe sandwiches to John Malkovitch and found a book for Kurtwood "Clarence Boddicker" Smith, both visiting from Steppenwolf down the street.But perhaps I'm getting too personal -- just color me excited to have a new Apple Store even closer to where I live now (near Clark and Diversey). The new store is set to open on the empty lot that used to be taken up by a gas station between North and Clybourn (right across from the Red Line stop) and would have about 15,000 square feet in the "long-term location." No word from Crain's yet, though, over when the store would open or even when ground might be broken. Still, all of the development guys seem happy -- they'll probably get in there as fast as they can.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lint said 1:34AM on 4-15-2009
Sweet! I new Apple Store down the street :)
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Andrew C said 2:12AM on 4-15-2009
Sweet! Now my perfect evening can go dinner at Trotter's then a quick walk to the Apple Store.
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Phillip P said 2:31AM on 4-15-2009
Preeeety sure one's in the plans for State Street as well . . .
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Brad said 6:33AM on 4-15-2009
It was canned because of developer issues, as noted in the comments, and the cost for the space was too much for it's location. And, if I recall, it wasn't even ground level but second level. Not worth the cost.
Don't know if North and Clybourn is the best area for this. Too much traffic, too many reasons to not go there. Most people will probably still flock to Michigan Ave. because it's just down the Red/Brown/Purple line.
Teo said 2:37AM on 4-15-2009
The State Street store was canned due to issues with the developer (like, oh, say the building EVER being completed).
This one will be great as there are more people likely to buy Apple products in that area...
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Mobile Phone Diva said 3:09AM on 4-15-2009
You live close to me Mike, yikes! LOL! :D
I'll be down at the new store as soon as it opens!!
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BOK said 3:15AM on 4-15-2009
Since we're on the subject and I'm overtired... why are the North & Clybourn [no "e," btw] Red Line signs still green?
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Phil U. said 9:34AM on 4-15-2009
Clybourn, not Clybourne
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Chuck Harmston said 9:36AM on 4-15-2009
Now we need an Apple Store near Clark and Addison.
Baseball, beer, and Apple...why would I ever leave the neighborhood?
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judd a. said 10:27AM on 4-15-2009
anyone hear about a naperville store?
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puhsitch said 10:30PM on 4-15-2009
Apple has job postings on their site for "Naperville-Main Place." It's about time! They're going to clean up hard core over there.
Rob Jones said 11:42AM on 4-15-2009
Since we're on the subject and I'm overtired... why are the North & Clybourn [no "e," btw] Red Line signs still green?
Because, if it's the signs I think you're thinking of, those do not indicate service line, but are a holdover from the days of A/B stations.
http://www.chicago-l.org/signage/platform/index.html#color_a-b
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Finn said 11:47AM on 4-15-2009
I wish they'd go back to the A/B stations....
This is very cool. It'll be more convenient for people who work in the loop and live on the north side than the MI ave store (also less crowded).
Wahoo!
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christomapher said 11:47AM on 4-15-2009
I'm glad there'll be an Apple store closer to where I live. I'm tired of dealing with the slow, fat suburbanites that are in my way when I want to walk down the sidewalk. Call me bitter but it's annoying!
Snagged from the Chicagoist online blog:
"Bill Smith, a principal developer with Chicago-based Smithfield Properties LLC, told Crain's the decision makes sense given the buying power of the North & Clybourn location over State St.: 'The Loop is playing to a slightly lower socio-economic group than North and Clybourn. Look at the demographics of Lincoln Park.'"
Full story using the following link:
http://chicagoist.com/2009/04/13/for_apple_north_clybourn_block_37.php
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Rob Jones said 11:49AM on 4-15-2009
And also, sweet. A store directly on my trip home from the Loop!
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bruce said 1:02PM on 4-15-2009
That could be a pretty good area. In a few years, that area will be as popular as Lincoln Park and about 5 times more expensive. Have you looked at the new construction homes in that area? My only worry is the extreme cost of removing the old fuel storage tanks that are in close proximity to the subway tunnels. The environmental cleanup costs are going to be staggering.
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aprouty said 1:20PM on 4-15-2009
While you're waiting for this store to open, be sure to check out MacSpecialist in River North at 500 N Wells. No appointment needed for service, and we have data recovery services and faster turn-around times than the Apple store. If you're looking for a new computer, we have better financing than the Apple Store, and extra warranty coverage on top of Applecare.
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lawrence fieber said 1:57PM on 4-15-2009
I wouldn't expect that building to come up any time soon. They are building on top of an old gas station and have to clean up the property before they can build on it.
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Stephen said 1:49AM on 4-16-2009
actually, I used to work at the Borders right near there as well and most of the cleanup is already done. They knocked down the gas station months ago, and have been cleaning up the site all winter
bhavesh patel said 7:17PM on 5-06-2009
Isn't *anyone* going to miss Ghetto Gas Station????? Another ghetto joint pummeled for modern glass structures any sexy computers....what is the world coming to? LOL
I'm bummed that I'm moving from Old Town to South Loop....but I'll be back! Just in time hopefully...!
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