Glasgow Store Confirmed

Reports that Apple’s retail team has been prowling Glasgow (Scotland) have been confirmed with the company’s filing of an application with the city’s Planning and Development agency to extensively renovate the building at 147 Buchanan Street in the city’s central business district. It would be the first store in the country, and the furthest-north store in the chain. The historic, 165 year-old building sits on an impressive corner in the up-scale shopping district, and most recently housed The Pier home furnishings store. Apple’s proposal includes removing the existing mezzanine level, constructing a second floor, installing an elevator and spiral-glass staircase, and renovating the existing basement. The 7,800 square-foot store would include a Genius and Studio bar, but no theater. The interior design will apparently be V2.0, with stainless steel panels on the walls. Exterior work will necessarily be limited to restoration, since the building is historically protected. Apple says the work will cost $2.2 million, could begin in Feb. 2007, and be completed by July 2007. The city’s planning agencies must still approve Apple’s proposal, which could take about two months to complete. Check coverage and photos by the Surviving Cinemas Web site, or the city’s description of the building.