The Newest Apple Store is Set to Open in Downtown’s Historic Tower Theatre on June 24th
Gruen Associates is the Executive Architect with Foster + Partners as the Design Architect for the renovation of the historic 1927 Tower Theatre into the newest and most dramatic Apple flagship retail store in downtown Los Angeles’ famed Broadway Theater District. Its long-awaited grand opening will be on June 24th, one of the most anticipated events as Los Angeles continues to loosen Covid-19 restrictions for the public. The fit-out of the store occurs within the context of the historic restoration, seismic rehabilitation, and adaptive re-use of the existing building, which will be used for its inaugural and future events on select occasions. The lower level will receive guests and users of Apple’s product offerings. The upper level will be used during store hours for training or smaller presentations. The design of the video wall on the lower level is integrated in the design for both levels.
Significant elements of the project include, but are not limited to—A restoration of the exterior façade and marquee including the clock tower and modifications to the building/roof signage; Full restoration, refurbishment and modifications (including full seismic upgrade) of building interiors to suit the fit-out; Design-sensitive modifications required to meet all local, state and federal requirements for code and life safety; and The lower level seats have been completely removed for the 7,429-SF retail space; an equally-sized basement is below.
The theater has been closed for decades-long, but now stands to create a re-invented as well as revisited retail/performance venue for the City and spur re-invigorated new tenants, storefronts and economic activity for the surrounding area while bringing back the famed Broadway corridor as a vanguard of theater houses in Los Angeles’ vibrant entertainment history.