Apple Fifth Avenue Flagship Store Unveils New "Simplified" Glass Cube

Today, Apple unveiled the redesigned glass cube of the Fifth Avenue flagship store, another legacy of the late visionary and creative genius, Steve Jobs. Back in June, Apple began renovating one of the most photographed places in New York City at an estimated cost of $6.6 million. The 5th Avenue store is a uniquely designed building with a giant glass cube on the ground level. The cube used to feature 90 panels of glass but now it has just 15 larger, seamless glass panels. 

"iSad" - Makeshift Memorial for Steve Jobs Outside The Apple Store Fifth Avenue

Mourning the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Apple admirers have been paying their respects at the front steps of the flagship store on Fifth Avenue. Crowds gathered around the makeshift memorial in front of the retail store where fans laid flowers, candles, apples, balloons, notes, flags and signs. Steve Jobs passed away at the age of 56 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

The Apple Store Fifth Avenue Glass Cube Getting Simplified

LEFT, the old Fifth Avenue glass cube. RIGHT, Apple's rendering of the new cube (images from AppleInsider)

The Apple Store Fifth Avenue glass cube has been temporarily shrouded with gray and white plywood since June due to renovation. The iconic 32-foot glass cube store entrance will be simplified, by using only 15 larger, seamless pieces of glass, instead of 90. The project is expected to be completed by November.

The Biggest Apple Store In The Big Apple Never Sleeps

The Apple flagship store on Fifth Avenue is open 24 hours a day making it truly one of the most unique computer stores in the city. The store has become a favorite destination for New Yorkers and people around the world. It is always crowded during the day and I find it most convenient to shop at this store late at night. One of the most photographed structures in NYC, the store's signature glass cube was created by designers Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and structural engineers Eckersly O'Callahan (glass elements).  The 32-foot structural glass cube marking the store's entrance makes a bold architectural statement, and easily entices plaza level passersby down to the store's underground main level. 

The iPad Has Arrived

These are some of the images that I made earlier this morning at the Apple Fifth Avenue Flagship Store when the much anticipated "it" gadget, the iPad hit the stores at 9:00 AM. There was a countdown fit for New Year's Eve before eager customers were welcomed to get in by the staffers in blue. Many of the customers flew in from different parts of the globe to get their sleek tablet computer. The iPad is a lightweight, portable computer that can be used to watch video, listen to music, play games, write emails, surf the web or read electronic books on the 9.7-inch (24.6-centimetre) glass multitouchscreen device. The iPad also runs most of the 150,000 applications made for the iPod music player and the iPhone. 

Video from CBS News