Futuristic Apple store may expand Chicago's Magnificent Mile

A glitzy project with the potential to shift retail farther south may be coming to Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

The Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday got a look at a futuristic and translucent Apple Store overlooking the Chicago River that would be accessed by a glass box entrance on Pioneer Court.

Apple has estimated that as many as 4,000 people each day will walk down a grand staircase at 401 N. Michigan Ave. - or take an elevator, if need be - to a 20,000-square-foot store adjacent to the riverwalk.

The project already has the go-ahead from the city's Department of Planning and Development. But because it's a marquee location with potential to serve as a catalyst for development further south, city officials and downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) thought it was important to hold a public hearing before the plan commission.

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