LA’s newest Apple Store is now up and running, showcasing a multimillion-dollar restoration project that brought an icon of cinema past to life in a push to stimulate post-pandemic business downtown with what promises to be the city’s latest tourist lure.
The Apple Tower Theatre officially opened this week after a three year overhaul brought the then-vacant landmark back to life.
Foster + Partners were behind the restoration effort aimed at converting the 94-year-old building into retail space CEO Tim Cook called a “testament to a city rich in culture and diversity” in a Twitter post on Thursday.
Today we opened the doors to our new store in downtown LA — Apple Tower Theatre. It’s a testament to a city rich in culture and diversity. We’re so excited to be a part of DTLA! pic.twitter.com/l4UQmZQ5x4
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 24, 2021
Piggybacking off a similar palazzo restoration recently in Rome, the firm worked with Apple and design director Doo Ho Lee to preserve elements of the original theater found hidden in the walls thanks to the use of 3D scans and forensic paint analysis.
The upgraded structure features a new marquee and clock tower modeled after historical photos. Its former auditorium will now play host to genius bars overlooked by balcony seating and a restored fresco.
The Delajani family, who owns the building, announced plans for the conversion shortly after Apple declared its own move in 2018. The Baroque Revival theater was designed to mimic the Opéra Garnier by famed movie palace architect S. Charles Lee.
The 906-seat theater had been unoccupied since 1988 and has starred in Hollywood classics such as Mulholland Drive.
Part of its space will now be used for a new Today at Apple initiative expanding technology access to members of underrepresented groups working on creative projects. The store also offers programming through its Creative Studios with hands-on sessions from filmmaker Bethany Mollenkof to singer-songwriter Syd.
1 Comment
Cultural misappropriation.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.