Biz Buzz; Future of SLO Apple store remains murky
The Tribune
The space at 899 Higuera St. in San Luis Obispo the location of what had been expected to be an Apple Computer store will be reviewed Monday by the citys Architectural Review Commission. Plans have changed substantially, however, since discussion began earlier this year, leaving the possibility of an
Apple store downtown uncertain.
"The project is quite modified from the original application," said Jaime Hill, associate planner for the city of San Luis Obispo. "The facade changes are significantly scaled back."
The current design review proposes dividing the 5,800-square-foot location into two spaces a 4,800-square-foot store at Morro and Higuera streets and a 1,000-square-foot space next door. The proposal also seeks to add a second entrance on Morro Street and fill in the side-street windows with bricks.
With all of the changes, its no longer clear that Apple is coming to San Luis Obispo. In the earlier plan by building owner Copeland Properties, the renderings clearly indicated the trademark Apple in the building signage.
"The Copelands are being very close-lipped," said Claire Clark, the citys economic development manager. "We do not know if Apple is the tenant."
Apple had previously asked to remove an exterior pillar and install stainless steel over the existing brick storefront. The design was initially approved in July by the Cultural Heritage Committee, which set out several conditions for the Cupertino-based retailer to achieve in order to be consistent with downtown design. Changes included reducing or eliminating the use of stainless steel, retaining the windows on Morro Street and keeping the bulkhead in place.
The ball has been in Apples court since then. Several meetings with the review commission had been continued as the retailer sought additional time to make design changes.
There remains at least one sign that Apple is coming to the area: The companys Web site continues to post job openings for the Higuera location.
Calls to Apple Computer and Copeland Properties were not returned by press time.
