Planned Apple Store in NYC Historic District Hits Architectural Snag

Apple hopes to open a new two-story Apple Store in NYC at 136 Fifth Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets. Unfortunately, it is in an official Historic District called the Ladies' Mile. The current building is the two-story, non-descript aluminum-faced Andrews Coffee Shop but the Community Board led by a local architect considering Apple's design wants it replaced with something new that reflects the ornate florid designs of an earlier period in the area. Apple has offered two designs, a gray limestone fascade with an engraved Apple logo and an all-glass front with the Apple logo suspended behind. Both have been rejected by the board in lopsided votes. More... [Dana Baggett]