The
rumors come from the Downtown LA Examiner and suggest that the giant
technology firm could be ready to open up more than just a store in
the massive building. As well as an Apple store they could also have
a campus there, with different office units as well as residential
space. There could also be room for a branch for Beats by Dre in the
Broadway Trade Center too. This is the music accessories and music
streaming service that they recently bought for $3 billion. Beats is
presently located in Culver City.
It
isn’t yet clear why Apple would want residential areas in a
building, although one suggestion is that it could be to house senior Apple staff when they are in town on business. The company has
recently opened up new offices in both Seattle and Cambridge.
Takes
Up Almost a Whole City Block
The
center is almost the size a whole city block and was bought by New
York based real estate company Waterbridge Capitol for $130 million
earlier in the year. It now appears as though they might have got
their first tenant for the building.
The
Broadway Trade Center has an interesting history. It started life in
1908 as a Hamburger’s Department Store but recently its glory days
have seemed well in the past. A recent campaign aimed at “Bringing
Back Broadway” has led to a 10 year plan to restore it to the
condition and prominence it deserves. This initiative aims to breathe
new life into the area by attracting high profile retail firms and
other big name companies to set up new stores and premises there.
As of
yet there is no indication of when Apple could be moving into their
new home or indeed if the lease has already been drawn up and signed.
