Apple to Open Its Biggest Ever Store in New York's Grand Central Station

(Photo: Reuters / Shannon Stapleton)
A man looks at an iPhone at the Apple store in New York May 23, 2011.

By Vincent Funaro , Christian Post Reporter

July 26, 2011|10:59 am

Apple is set to open a brand new 23,000 square-foot store inside of the famous Grand Central Station in New York City.

According to PC World, the City’s financial board is expected to approve a 10-year lease on the property to Apple giving them the space that will give life to their largest store in the world.

“I can’t imagine why any kid in Westchester wouldn’t want to go to Grand Central and shop at Apple and eat at Shake Shack,” said Jeff Rosen, the MTA’s real estate director, according to AM New York.

The MTA approved the deal this week that would allow Apple to rent the space along with an accompanying Shake Shack restaurant, leaving some New Yorkers concerned over the possibility of overcrowding the station which already has 700,000 commuters floating through it daily.

The new deal also has preservationists worried that the terminal may be overrun by retail and advertising excesses that occupied much of Grand Central before it’s renovation in the 1990’s. However, commercially many still believe the move would be a great deal for the city.

“Given everybody’s devotion to Grand Central-everybody loves Grand Central I think there’s going to be great public interest in this,” said Peg Green, president of the New York Landmarks Conservancy to AM New York.

Shake Shack also expressed its excitement. A Shake Shack representative has reportedly emailed WNYC saying: “As we expand Shake Shack we are looking to make our home in vibrant locations throughout New York City and beyond.

“Grand Central terminal is a spectacularly beautiful historic landmark that serves as both a transportation hub and cultural point of interest for residents, commuters and tourists alike.”

Apple will reportedly pay $800,000-a-year for the first 10 years of the lease, which increases the rent by almost half a million dollars compared to the previous lessees, according to PC World.

Both Apple and Shake Shack will go before the MTA’s general board on Wednesday for the final vote to approve the two businesses taking over the space at Grand Central Station.