When the new World Trade Center mall in New York City opens in 2015, it's going to be a who's who of big name retailers, and Apple is on that list. The mall will cover 365,000 square feet, although its striking design has left some companies complaining about storefront layouts.
The new World Trade Center mall, scheduled to open in 2015
The multi-level mall design includes rib-like structures that transition from exterior to interior design elements and intersect many store fronts. Apple pushed for a design variance so it could use its traditional all glass design, although the company's request was denied, according to The Real Deal.
Apple will be on the below ground level of the mall, along with Disney, LEGO, Swarovski, Michael Kors, Bebe, and more. The street level will include Moleskin, Bose, Bobbi Brown, and several other big name retailers.
About 60 retailers have either signed leases or are in late stage negotiations with Westfield Group, which is the company that owns the mall project. There are still vacant retail spaces in the mall, and the company is working to fill those before the 2015 opening.
Along with the rib-like columns, Westfield is dealing with complaints that most of the retail space is underground, and concerns about build-out costs for store owners. With more than a year left before the mall plans to open, however, there's a good chance Westfield will fill its remaining spaces.