Close on the heels of plans for the first-ever Apple Store in Seoul, South Korea, Apple is all set to embark on building an underground retail store in the historic Liberty Square in Milan.
Piazza del Liberty — popularly called the Liberty Square — is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in Italy. The city's planning department has approved the construction last month based on the preliminary guidelines. At present, Apple is operating from the Fiordaliso mall.
The new retail store from Apple will also involve the construction of an outdoor amphitheater with spectacular waterfall features, according to reports.
Retail Store Plans
Foster and Partners, a well-established and renowned construction firm, has partnered with Apple on several projects pertaining to building retail stores around the world. The construction company was also tapped to work on Apple's Campus 2 headquarters in Cupertino, California.
Sources reveal that Apple has been eyeing the historic site for a while now. This location is expected to be innovative and technologically vibrant. The architects have drawn a plan to include an above-ground amphitheater where Apple plans to host public events of cultural significance.
Pierfrancesco Maran, the city planning official, calls it "ambitious and truly international."
Even though Milan is popular as a trade center, this region offers a rich ambiance of cultural aesthetics, which Apple hopes would also translate into its store and give its customers a wonderful experience.
Amphitheater And More
The whole plan of amalgamating leisure, entertainment, and technology is one of the unique ideas that Apple has come up with this time. Even as it continues to revamp the designs of the iPhone line, Apple is poised to make it a worthwhile experience for all customers who will come to its store in Milan.
Keeping the customers' comfort as its major priority, an elevator will be provided at the plaza to ensure easy accessibility to the store. The amphitheater will be placed at the heart of the square with broad terraced steps leading to a level intermediary between the square and the underlying store.
There will be a glass screen which will sport the reflection of the water features encapsulating the square. Anchoring one end of the amphitheater is the glass waterfall with water bowls. This appealing view will mark the entrance and add to the visual pleasure of the onlooker.
How Much Will The Store Cost Apple?
Apart from investing on the architecture and design layout, Apple will likely have to make a one-time payment to the city with an amount of 768,732 euros (approximately $815,000) to offset the cost estimation that the authorities had incurred while renovating this location. In addition to this, Apple will be paying an annual fee of 127,435 euros (approximately $135,000).
When Will The Store Open?
Currently, the location is occupied by the Apollo Spazio Cinema and Apple is waiting patiently for its upcoming project to take shape. Having confirmed the news about constructing the retail store, Apple has not divulged any details on the proposed Apple Store's opening date.
