While the first Apple store planned for Paris may be a window-less underground cavern, a second location now under construction near the city’s Opera House will be among the chain’s most impressive. The location at 12, Rue Halévy features a light-filled, soaring interior space tucked behind arched windows, all facing onto an unusually large intersection that provides a view of the façade from many angles. A large sign on the exterior notes a building permit was issued February 23rd, and says the reconstruction is for a “hotel and shop.” The project encompasses 81,300 square-feet, according to the sign, on a 13,200 square-foot lot. Check photos after the break.
Check this impressive panoramic view of interior construction, noting the protective materials on the walls and columns. Also look around the huge intersection using Google Streetview. The Apple store will occupy the right two-thirds of the building’s ground level.
The building in 112-feet wide with nine arches, some windows, some doors. The address #12 occupies the space defined by the five left-most arches. As with many city-center Paris buildings, behind this façade is a skylight-covered courtyard space.
A closer look at #12 and its arched windows and one of the entrances.
The interior space is impressive--the columns are topped with ornate details, the skylight brightens the space and a mezzanine railing on two sides recalls old Paris. Notice the hold cut in the floor about mid-photo.
