After dropping plans to build a store on State Street in downtown Chicago (Ill.), Apple has now reportedly signed a long-term lease for a northside triangle of land at 1560 N. Halsted Street. The Chicago Business Web site (reg. req.) first noted Apple’s interest in the property back in June 2007, and now says Apple has closed the deal on 18,000 square-feet of space at $700,000 a year. According to Chicago Business, Apple will erect a 15,000 square-foot store on the space, where a service station once stood. The publication adds that Apple’s commitment will help speed commercial development of the area around the store. City records show that the property owner was granted a demolition permit last November, and then received approval on February 25th to construct a single-story building on the site. Apple’s sign-on, however, may require another round of city permit applications. The store could open in early 2010. Photos of the lot after the break.
Thanks to Brian for these photos, taken coincidentally just before the news article was published.
By April 12, 2009 the lot had been cleared off and various barricade supplies were being stored on-site.
This is a portion of the parcel map for Chicago's north side, showing the 18,000 s.f. triangle of land that will host an Apple store. Notice the block numbers that are available–which street and which block number will Apple select for this store?
