Apple Building New "Prototype" Store In Palo Alto

Apple looks to be planning a new prototype retail store that will be only a block away from one of its earliest retail locations in Palo Alto. Construction on the new 15,030 square-foot store is expected to begin soon and is linked to architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, which described the design to be a "new prototype" and as a "commons for community to gather."

The $3.15 million project will incorporate a curved glass roof to allow natural light to bathe the interior and have a large open design so that the retail area is visible from the outside. The plans filed with the city reveal that it will be a two-story space with both stone and steel in its construction.

Construction of the new store at 340 University Ave. in Palo Alto will require tearing down the existing Liddicoats building and once completed will replace the existing downtown Palo Alto store. Other details as to what this new prototype store will have to offer remain a mystery. It's possible that Apple could attempt to bring back its original retail plans for cybercafe style locations

"Our Palo Alto store was one of our first retail stores when we opened it nearly a decade ago and it's been incredibly popular," said an Apple spokesperson in a statement. "We are planning a beautiful new store just a few steps away, building on everything we've learned from our customers in Palo Alto and around the world."

[via CNET]