Apple plans to convert an iconic L.A. theater into the grandest of Apple Stores
The Tower Theater in L.A.'s Broadway district was not only one of the first buildings in the city to offer air conditioning, in 1927 it played Al Jolson's The Jazz Singer, the first "talkie." Built as a copy of the Paris Opera House, Apple is planning to convert the movie theater into the grandest of Apple Stores. While Apple won't say how much this project will cost it, the company plans on offering more than just the latest Apple devices.
For example, Apple envisions holding workshops and events at the location. Apple iPhone users could gather for a class on using their handsets to take photographs, and then go out on a walking tour of the area to put their new knowledge to use. Famous actors, directors and others in the entertainment business could appear for talks that could be eventually disseminated to other Apple Stores.
The original blueprints for the theater are in Apple's possession, and the company plans on using them to help restore some of the building to its original state. But more than helping to develop an area that is on the rise in the city, Apple is actually making a huge announcement with its new L.A. store. Some Wall Street analysts believe that Apple is using this renovation to scream loudly that it will become more active in providing entertainment content and services to its users. Apple has a goal of hiking its Services revenue from the $30 billion it earned last year to $50 billion by 2020, and could be looking to add new streaming services.
"Apple is really going to get into the Hollywood arms race. I think this [store] is part of a shot across the bow from Apple saying, ‘Look, we are starting to expand our content and services footprint.'"-Daniel Ives, head of tech research, GBH Insights
You can check out Apple's vision for the new L.A. Apple Store by viewing the image at the top of this article, and the image directly below.
Apple's vision of what the inside of its new L.A. Apple Store will look like
source: LATimes
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