Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
San Francisco Officials Suggest Significant Changes Needed for Apple's New Flagship Store Proposal
Last month, Apple submitted plans to relocate its flagship San Francisco retail store three blocks north, putting the new store directly on Union Square, the heart of the city's high-end shopping district.
Despite initial praise for the project from city officials, Apple's proposal rapidly drew criticism for a number of its features, including an 80-foot-long blank wall along Stockton Street and the apparent removal of a sculptural fountain currently located at the entrance stairway to a public plaza.
The San Francisco Chronicle now reports that the city's Planning Department has issued its preliminary project assessment (PDF) on Apple's proposal, indicating that it would like to see a number of changes to the project.
Regarding Apple's controversial proposed changes to the public plaza behind the store, planning officials have asked Apple find a way to widen the entrance stairway to help draw in visitors. Apple is also being asked to try incorporate the existing fountain sculpture by noted San Francisco artist Ruth Asawa into the new plaza design, and if it is not feasible, to assist with finding a new location for the fountain.
The Chronicle also spoke with San Francisco mayor Ed Lee about the fountain. Lee, who had been unaware of its proposed removal following his initial viewing of the project plans, suggests that an agreement with Apple to secure the fountain's fate may be near.
Despite initial praise for the project from city officials, Apple's proposal rapidly drew criticism for a number of its features, including an 80-foot-long blank wall along Stockton Street and the apparent removal of a sculptural fountain currently located at the entrance stairway to a public plaza.
The San Francisco Chronicle now reports that the city's Planning Department has issued its preliminary project assessment (PDF) on Apple's proposal, indicating that it would like to see a number of changes to the project.
There's too much glass on Post Street and too much metal on Stockton. The plaza that would accompany it needs a friendlier entrance. Planners also want the project to include a circular bronze fountain by Ruth Asawa that is the centerpiece of the plaza now on the block.The city's planners object to the uniform wall of glass along the store's main frontage on Post Street, suggesting that Apple should do more to break up the wall by including colors or textures or vertical design elements. The planners also suggest possibilities for improving the blank Stockton Street frontage, including adding windows or pulling back the storefront to allow for landscaping and perhaps public seating areas.
Despite all this, the city's top planner said Thursday that he sees no reason Apple can't build a modernistic metal-and-glass box within the historic setting of the Union Square retail district.
Regarding Apple's controversial proposed changes to the public plaza behind the store, planning officials have asked Apple find a way to widen the entrance stairway to help draw in visitors. Apple is also being asked to try incorporate the existing fountain sculpture by noted San Francisco artist Ruth Asawa into the new plaza design, and if it is not feasible, to assist with finding a new location for the fountain.
The Chronicle also spoke with San Francisco mayor Ed Lee about the fountain. Lee, who had been unaware of its proposed removal following his initial viewing of the project plans, suggests that an agreement with Apple to secure the fountain's fate may be near.
"I've had some very good conversations with Apple and the managers of the Hyatt," said Lee, who praised Apple's plans in May as "incredible" but later told The Chronicle he hadn't realized the new building would disrupt the Asawa fountain. "I think a decision will be made in a short period of time."Apple has not disclosed a timeline for constructing the new store and relocating its operations from the existing store at 1 Stockton Street, and its timeline may depend on how long negotiations with city officials take to achieve a design satisfactory to all parties.
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81 months ago
"The city's planners object to the uniform wall of glass along the store's main frontage on Post Street, suggesting that Apple should do more to break up the wall by including colors or textures or vertical design elements."
How on earth did we get to the point where we think this is a proper function of government?
How on earth did we get to the point where we think this is a proper function of government?
81 months ago
The Planning Department also asked for colors or textures or vertical design elements on the iPhone5S.
81 months ago
"The city's planners object to the uniform wall of glass along the store's main frontage on Post Street, suggesting that Apple should do more to break up the wall by including colors or textures or vertical design elements."
How on earth did we get to the point where we think this is a proper function of government?
How on Earth did we get to the point where people think what a corporation wants is more important than what a city wants?
81 months ago
"The city's planners object to the uniform wall of glass along the store's main frontage on Post Street, suggesting that Apple should do more to break up the wall by including colors or textures or vertical design elements."
How on earth did we get to the point where we think this is a proper function of government?
Keep voting democrat.
81 months ago
Not surprising...
Planning and Design Review have always been functions of city government, it may be frustrating at times but it's nothing new.
"The city's planners object to the uniform wall of glass along the store's main frontage on Post Street, suggesting that Apple should do more to break up the wall by including colors or textures or vertical design elements."
How on earth did we get to the point where we think this is a proper function of government?
Planning and Design Review have always been functions of city government, it may be frustrating at times but it's nothing new.
81 months ago
How on earth did we get to the point where we think this is a proper function of government?
What would you suggest city planners do instead? or would you prefer a system with no regulations? I can see their point if this design doesn't fit with the surrounding architecture. All they're trying to do is make a better city for the residents to live in. Don't see how that infringes your civil liberties or is it just because they are saying it to Apple. Thou shalt not question the wisdom and decisions of the all mighty Apple machine.
81 months ago
"How on earth did we get to the point where we think this is a proper function of government?
Agreed. Why does the government get to determine aesthetics for Apple? I'm pretty sure Apple is quite talented in that department.
81 months ago
Apple should just build elsewhere.
Then that plaza, residents and others can enjoy that fountain and loss of revenue.
Because that fountain pays for itself and everything else...right?
Then that plaza, residents and others can enjoy that fountain and loss of revenue.
Because that fountain pays for itself and everything else...right?
81 months ago
Agreed. Why does the government get to determine aesthetics for Apple? I'm pretty sure Apple is quite talented in that department.
apple is not the only one in the city
81 months ago
"The city's planners object to the uniform wall of glass along the store's main frontage on Post Street, suggesting that Apple should do more to break up the wall by including colors or textures or vertical design elements."
How on earth did we get to the point where we think this is a proper function of government?
It has been for over half a century, even if you didn't get the memo.
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