Rumor: new Apple store at North/Clybourn

I received a rumor from a reliable source today: firm plans exist to build an Apple store above the Red Line station at North Avenue and Clybourn. Cool!

I thought I had a big scoop on my hands about this and rushed to spread it to the 23 daily readers of CHB. But after using this new tool called Google, I was able to find proof that this news has been swirling around (in some form or another) since 2007.

For instance, here's something from ifoapplestore.com:

Halsted Street -Chicago (IL) - On June 29, 2007 ChicagoBusiness Web site said Apple was in negotiations with M Development LLC for some part of an 18,400 s.f. triangular space at the intersection of Halsted, Clybourn and North Streets on the city's near north side, about 1 mile from the existing North Michigan Avenue store. The lot was a BP service station (1560 N. Halsted St.), in the midst of an area that is rapidly being developed. On Nov. 17, 2008 the city issued a permit to demolish the gas station building under the address 801 W. North Ave., and work began the same day. updated

Sounds good. But what I heard was a little different... my source told me Apple is partnering with the CTA/Chicago to rebuild the adjacent red line station and mash it together with the newly constructed store. Apple would in essence "donate" the station for the right to have it connect/integrate with the retail space.

The strategy makes good sense - have a retail location for northsiders that is infinitely more convenient than trying to park off Michigan Avenue. I hope it's true...