Apple has been submitting designs for its first D.C. store since September 2007, but has been unable to satisfy the Old Georgetown Board, which aims to maintain the neighborhood’s historic character.
The Old Georgetown Board told Apple’s store designers it was eager for the store to open, but the three reviewers said they were disappointed that Apple kept proposing a design that they have criticized.
In its latest submission, Apple proposed a 35-foot-wide pane of glass storefront with a door. However the board said that was inconsistent with neighboring properties.
Apple submitted its first design to the board in September 2007, a two-story building with five windows across the second floor and an expansive show window. After it was rejected, the two next revisions were also judged inappropriate.
The board has taken issue with a range of design features, from the ample use of glass to stainless steel and back-lit Apple logos.
The Washington Post reported that the renderings the company displayed this week were largely indistinguishable from the first round.
In 2007, Apple paid more than $13 million for the three-story building where it plans to build its store. While the building is only 24 years old, it is within a historic district with buildings more than 100 years old.
Apple said it remains committed to bringing the Apple store to Georgetown.
The Washington Post reported that Old Georgetown Board member Stephen J Vanze said he felt pressure at home to approve Apple’s plans, but reminded people the board’s role was to review design issues.
For us to do our job, we need to protect the street, he told Apple’s architect. We want to help you do this. Again, we ask you to modulate the glass.
