Reports from Los Angeles suggest that Apple is planning to establish a flagship store in the city’s downtown Broadway Trade Center.
The rumors come from the Downtown LA Examiner and suggest that the giant technology firm could be ready to open up more than just a store in the massive building. As well as an Apple store they could also have a campus there, with different office units as well as residential space. There could also be room for a branch for Beats by Dre in the Broadway Trade Center too. This is the music accessories and music streaming service that they recently bought for $3 billion. Beats is presently located in Culver City.
It isn’t yet clear why Apple would want residential areas in a building, although one suggestion is that it could be to house senior Apple staff when they are in town on business. The company has recently opened up new offices in both Seattle and Cambridge.
Takes Up Almost a Whole City Block
The center is almost the size a whole city block and was bought by New York based real estate company Waterbridge Capitol for $130 million earlier in the year. It now appears as though they might have got their first tenant for the building.
The Broadway Trade Center has an interesting history. It started life in 1908 as a Hamburger’s Department Store but recently its glory days have seemed well in the past. A recent campaign aimed at “Bringing Back Broadway” has led to a 10 year plan to restore it to the condition and prominence it deserves. This initiative aims to breathe new life into the area by attracting high profile retail firms and other big name companies to set up new stores and premises there.
As of yet there is no indication of when Apple could be moving into their new home or indeed if the lease has already been drawn up and signed.