Comments for Big plans for next Chicago Apple Store?

Big plans for next Chicago Apple Store?

2009-10-26T16:34:36Z

This is the North and Clybourn Apple Stop. This is a Red Line train to Howard.

Does that sound weird. Well, it is, but it could happen.

According to AppleInsider and chicagobusiness.com, Apple has some pretty big -- and potentially expensive plans -- for the Red Line North and Clybourn stop.

The report says that Apple will spend up to $4 million to renovate the station in the popular shopping district in Lincoln Park surrounding North, Clybourn and Halsted streets. And, Apple can, according to the report, name the stop.

And while that part of the story is huge, here's something that I think is equally huge, if not bigger.

According to AppleInsider and chicagobusiness.com, the architectural firm that has been hired to design the store is also responsible for other Apple stores, including the glass cube in New York City.

As someone who lives in Chicago, I can tell you that the North and Clybourn stop is not the CTA's prettiest stop. When you leave the station, you ascend up a very narrow escalator. But if that exit onto street level comes with a glass Apple cube? Well, I'd be more likely to go to that store than the one on Michigan Avenue, which I can walk to.

So I am looking forward to seeing what Apple has in store for the area and what it will mean for the entire area in general.

What are your thoughts, Chicago and everyone else? Are you excited about the report? What do you think of naming CTA stops? Let me know what you think in the comments and on Twitter. You can also leave your comments on RedEye's Facebook page.

Thanks for calling.

Comment from Brady J. Frey on 2009-10-26

2009-10-26T16:46:22Z

That's genius - they did that out here in San Francisco for one of our BART entrances... most of us were quite shocked they'd spend the cash on it, but it's value was met quickly. Thousands of daily commuters walk right next to Apple everyday, and make a quick pop in eventually.

Comment from Tyler on 2009-10-26

2009-10-26T18:53:47Z

I think it's great. Good to see a company taking initiative to improve the surrounding neighborhood. I don't mind them naming the station if it means an improved, safer station.

Comment from Jen on 2009-10-26

2009-10-26T20:54:12Z

Please, Apple..Do SOMETHING with the North/Clyborn Stop..anything would be an improvement compared to the dirty, dingy, urine drenched station that we currently have. It's the least that they can do, granted how much extra traffic the store will more than likely bring to an already insane intersection.

Comment from whogastim on 2009-10-26

2009-10-26T22:30:59Z

We were just there on Saturday. My wife and I were wondering whether the construction site next to the North/Clybourn stop was still going to be an Apple store or if they had postponed/cancelled that. I guess its still a go .... a long way to go given that only the shell of the building is up.

Comment from Scott on 2009-10-26

2009-10-26T22:31:06Z

For God's sake, yes! Bring it!

Comment from Ryan Kiefer on 2009-10-26

2009-10-27T02:47:43Z

It is definitely cool that there's going to be an Apple store though and that they're potentially rehabbing that station. I have qualms, though, about potential corporate naming rights for a CTA station though. Still, it would definitely be cool to see a glass cube CTA station.