#refurb: 77 King St -(Apple Store) 22st/86m/off (CBD Centre)

[CULWULLA]

To be known as 77 King Street, the crappy 7o's Westpac on Cnr of George & king is to be refurbed and height increased to 80m.

model pic
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid128/p70cb21a47467dc61bf634bdd2c3680bd/f7e2f042.jpg

[Fabian]

Here are my pics of the model which I took last week. I've also checked the council website for details regarding the D/A and nothing has appeared as yet.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid127/p3842ea52c233e2f5b6d25123be379e49/f7f03f78.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid127/p3e1449aa1a0f793c9a3741085cad308f/f7f03f52.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid127/p69b460982b2523e1d277924366f5d877/f7f03faa.jpg

[Muse]

:pepper: After 233 Castelreagh, that one is my pet hate. It's so disguzting, sleazy 'n greazy & grimey 'n slimey. Not even listed @ skyscrapers.com.. lol

There was a render with a canopy overhang on the King St side but that was almost 2 years ago.

What's the height of the tragedy now?

[CULWULLA]

it should be listed on ss.com? its currently 72m tall.

[Muse]

^ Hrmmm. Nothing @ skyscrapers.com under Westpac or King St and the only 72m buildings for Sydney are Altair Apts. and 80 William St.

Still trying to find the old render unsuccessfully @ the old OZScraper's site.

[CULWULLA]

thats wierd how ive left it off ss.com. anyhow ive added it.

[Brizer]

Good! It is a poorly conceived building, very ordinary; it was unwelcome, was plain at conception and didn't get any prettier with time. The building it replaced was one of Sydney's finest little neo-classical bank buildings and, on its behalf, revenge is in the offing.

[Brizer]

FYI: The current building was designed by Kann, Finch and Partners - not one of their triumphs! - and was completed in 1974. I think 30 years is quite long enough for it and hope that the renovation/extension does something to redeem it.

[Fabian]

The tower at present. It detracts from the three gleaming modern beauties that surround the intersection of King 7 George Streets (363 George, NRMA House & 400 George)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid128/p265255feeb64663e6c6c761bc38bad66/f7d84e26.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid128/p74131a2a1cc8c8ae63d46d5e2f7f479b/f7d84e08.jpg

[Muse]

^ So sad. What a tragedy. I don't think it detracts though. Quite the opposite. Makes me look in all other directions.

It probably looked very modern when it was completed but has not aged gracefully one iota.

[Muse]

OK, this one is a goer...after 2 years of no replies.

Jumped off the bus today when I saw the sign. Arup is anticpating a September start and 12 month completion schedule. BKH says the render is pretty true, but the stone will have more of an aqua tinge to it due to the limestone they are choosing.....a less porous limestone so it won't get grotty.

Such an improvement! Yay!

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/509/37977KingRefurbB.JPG

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/509/37977KingRefurbA.JPG

...

[Anton]

^^ Hmm - the original is not that bad - it just doesn't say "look at me". Maybe some people would like it better if it had a spire or something. :dunno: ;) And although the new proposal certainly is an improvement, it is not that much better for it's period. This new proposal is just average for the day - like the original. We'll be back for another go in 2036 me thinks.

[CULWULLA]

definately an improvement!

this will be 3rd instalment of the sites history.
taken from thread>

The Australian Bank of Commerce (later ES&A) built 1884. torn down early 1970.
one of best 1880's bldgs in sydney at the time.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/171/ausbankcommerce16sc.jpg

replaced with slab.
The former Wales Bank cnr george & King Streets.
Built 1973 72m/17st
awaiting reconstruction.Plans are in atm to refurb into resi tower.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/9569/77kingst9gk.jpg

[Anton]

^^ well, both the 1970 and 2006 versions are shit compared to the 1880's version.

(and in that last pic someone seems to be trying to drive into the lobby it seems. Maybe it is the bloke who drove his pajero into parliament house in the 1990's)

[Muse]

Anton, nobody would disagree with you about the 1880s version but alas...

...and tac on a crowd-pleasing spire to the current? So it would be taller? lol

It's really all subjective, eh?
...

[alderson]

I couldn't agree more, only that the 2006 version looks older than 1970

[Muse]

I couldn't agree more, only that the 2006 version looks older than 1970Older? Left wondering if in style or upkeep. You must mean style as it's only the render. Maybe due to the vast amount of stone panelling. It won't be as brown apparently as I mentioned re the aqua tones of the imported German limestone.

BTW I want to wait to see the final outcome before passing intricate judgement, even getting inklings during the re-construction process. I just soley like the concept @ this point.

..

[Avatar]

Sorry I think this redevlopment is a failure. I don't like any of it, I would have prefered a more mild makeover with new glazing and resurfacing. This new design looks like it has less windowing - how tragic. Why not just be simple and cover the whole thing in new glass? Once again too much fucking concrete.

I also think this new one looks no newer and if anything, i think it will date even more so than the existing building. I actually think it looks older than the original in some ways. I don't know why they tried to be funky with the design - it just destroys it the integrity of the building.

It seems Australian companies have no idea how to makeover a building - they should look to our friends in Singapore who seem much more adept.

[Muse]

a) It's a render. I think it might be that image of making a corporate building "solid" looking. That Aussie characteristic of being rustic and the idea of soild as being "strong". We don't do sparkly-fluffy so well as say, The Chinese do.

That funkiness *will* more than likely date it, but nothing wrong with that. I hear art deco does art deco really well. It's cool when a building can show its era, amidst ageless ones. It's the ones where the materials used faulter then it becomea dire.

It's not concrete btw. If you just mean the stonework in general by saying "concrete"...OK.

b) The existing building would also be truly fine if done today. Melbourne-style glass instead of the usual Sydney perspex-y look and not as many bare surfaces. High-tech wizadry in the enhanced lobby areas and simply styled classy furniture shmoozing every nook 'n cranny.

Best of all IMHO is to bring back the 1880s structure! Perfect, beautiful, gorgeous!

...

[Brizer]

I'm for that! Make the buggers rebuild the 1880s 'edifice' - it was not huge but so grand. Why do they always destroy the interesting buildings and leave the garbage?! was his heart-felt and oft-repeated wail.
While I think the 1970s building is mundane in design, the latest effort is a slight improvement to ordinary, - though the foyer looks promising.
Anton: fear not! That van is going down the the u/g carpark - nothing more sinister or newsworthy, though when that '70s thing went up I was sorely tempted to run a Sherman tank through it.

[Lord_Bertrum]

I think the irregular tessellated window panelling is a big mistake.

It really isn't adding anything to the building at all and if anything just reinforces the fact that at the core, this is a dull 1970's mediocre building. I appreciate taht not every building or refurb can be cutting edge or iconic. I just feel that there has been very little effort put into this.

[shaggers_jr]

Sorry I think this redevlopment is a failure. I don't like any of it, I would have prefered a more mild makeover with new glazing and resurfacing. This new design looks like it has less windowing - how tragic. Why not just be simple and cover the whole thing in new glass? Once again too much fucking concrete.

I also think this new one looks no newer and if anything, i think it will date even more so than the existing building. I actually think it looks older than the original in some ways. I don't know why they tried to be funky with the design - it just destroys it the integrity of the building.

It seems Australian companies have no idea how to makeover a building - they should look to our friends in Singapore who seem much more adept.

Avatar you are utterly obsessed with glass facades. I rather like concrete and think that Sydney has some remarkable concrete facades which, I'm guessing, this refurb is attempting to compliment. That said, I do think this design is quite of-its-time and will probably date quite badly. But at least it has a certain boldness. The foyer needs to be fixed - its an awful piece of 70s crap made-over into a 90s post-modern piece of shit.

[Cariad]

Tearing it down and rebuilding again would be a good start! What I would give for a time machine and I would save the old original 1880's building from demolition.

[Muse]

I think the irregular tessellated window panelling is a big mistake.

It really is adding anything to the building at all and if anything just reinforces the fact that at the core, this is a dull 1970's mediocre building. I appreciate taht not every building or refurb can be cutting edge or iconic. I just feel that there has been very little effort put into this.Could say that about any scraper Berty. 1 O'Connell St is theee perfect example of basically-a-box-underneath-all-the-fancy-trappings.

It's looking pretty unanimous barr the soulless obvious, that we'd prefer the 1880s building rebuilt. lol

[Avatar]

Thanks to you guys for going to the trouble of taking the pics and sourcing the pics and compiling the info - you've done a good job, just a pity I still don't much like the building.

I am just not fond of many make-overs most don't turn out as good as the originals and in this case I think they have been unsuccessful.

[Avatar]

At least this make-over is not as bad as the one they are doing in North Sydney. That one was an even bigger shame.

As for those that think I obsess with glass - it is true to a certain extent but I can see the value in using concrete too. I just think this design forgoes the use of glass and places far too much emphasis on the patterned concrete ends.

[jcocks]

If you thought the building was ugly, you should have seen the foyer. Enought to make you projectile vomit.

The refurb is an improvement, but not by much and you have to wonder how it will look in another 20-30 yrs time? As grotty as the current facade looks now?

[Fabian]

Looks great. Stylish, modern and retro. :)
The podium will complment 400 George superbly.

[papervagina]

Here's a render of the podium from the DA for the signage scheme. The colour's a bit different to the render Muse posted, but doesn't have the aqua tinge he mentioned; looks a bit like raw concrete (is that the type of limestone they were referring to?). The irregular windows/columns of the tower remind me of a small apartment building on Regent Street in Chippendale that backs on to Central.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/papervagina/77king.jpg

[Muse]

Double post...

[Muse]

Seems to be OK. Gives it more of a corporate feel than its current state of belonging in the backwaters of Rosebery.

The aqua tinge is what I was told by BKH, so time will tell. It's hue will possibly be so faint that it will hardly be noticeable.

[SinCity]

The current building is certainly one of the city's ugliest. Hopefully the refurb will improve it a bit. :)

Its a pity the old building was pulled down. Looks like quite a few sculptures decorated its exterior. Does anyone know where the sculptures ever ended up? I'm really curious.

[Trances]

My Guess would be road base if they were lucky

[Muse]

George Street bus stop has moved, ground level bank closed and most importantly, hoardings starting to appear on schedule.

[CULWULLA]

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/9326/0000684lk3.jpg

[SinCity]

^^ I noticed the hoardings in place last week. :cheer:

This one will be interesting to watch as it evolves. :okay:

[Muse]

Work platforms scaling the building...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/Muse11/77KingSt13Oct2006.jpg

[CULWULLA]

big crane now attached to eastern face.

[Muse]

It's amazing how well-planned the developers and construction company are. For such a tight space with heavy traffic, pedestrian and vehicular, on both streets, it would require months upon months of planning, not forgetting negotiations with council and each other.

...

[CULWULLA]

^yeah its a real operation.
what im pissed about atm is how we have the previous DA in city model instead of the DA posted above.Ive told planner how we have wrong model, so hopefully soon we wil receive correct model.

[CULWULLA]

crappy phone pic this morning from bathurst st.
http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/6216/image007sl8.jpg

[CULWULLA]

the ground floor will be home to an APPLE STORE!

[papervagina]

Yo, I found a better quality render:

http://s01.projectcentre.net/projects/221/270106-grge_opt%20M_email.jpg

From http://s01.projectcentre.net/PC14.1/pc.aspx?page=main/Overview&j=221

[sydney_lad]

^^^^

Not bad!

[Cariad]

It is a lot better than it looks now. I will have to wait to see the finished product but all in all I actually don't mind it in a "modern 60-70's kitsch" kind of way.

[Muse]

Yo, I found a better quality render:

http://s01.projectcentre.net/projects/221/270106-grge_opt%20M_email.jpg

From http://s01.projectcentre.net/PC14.1/pc.aspx?page=main/Overview&j=221
In the background you can see part of the now removed St Martins signage atop of what is still know as St Martins Tower - what an irony.

...

[Agent 096]

Only something sensational could stop me from becoming depressed at what was lost on this site. Unfortunately this doesn't quite do it for me, even if it is an improvement on the 1970's offering.
I'm even having mixed feelings about the Apple Store, even though I've been asking Santa for a proper Apple Store for years.

Photo from 1971 :ohno:
http://homepage.mac.com/maximm/.Pictures/SkyscraperCity/77%20King.jpg

[Aussie Dude]

Totally Agree. They are ganna have to really work at this one to outdo the old Aussie Bank of Commerce

[CULWULLA]

Only something sensational could stop me from becoming depressed at what was lost on this site. Unfortunately this doesn't quite do it for me, even if it is an improvement on the 1970's offering.
I'm even having mixed feelings about the Apple Store, even though I've been asking Santa for a proper Apple Store for years.

Photo from 1971 :ohno:
http://homepage.mac.com/maximm/.Pictures/SkyscraperCity/77%20King.jpg

yes the original 1884 bank was a beauty.
heres a pic i posted on first page
>
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/171/ausbankcommerce16sc.jpg
make sure you new guys check back on previous pages. there could eb somethign of interest.
cheers

[papervagina]

I'm even having mixed feelings about the Apple Store, even though I've been asking Santa for a proper Apple Store for years.

Yeah, about that, is it going to be a proper ("official"?) Apple Store, Culwulla? If so, Apple fans everywhere will be wetting themselves - it's hilarious to read the excited replies in Mac forums every time there's a rumour of an Australian Apple Store. Maybe someone should head over to appletalk.com.au and let them know, just for fun...

[Agent 096]

Thanks Culwulla
Your photos and Town Hall insights are excellent. And I do go through each thread throughly to see what you have input. :pepper:

I myself am not new though - I just don't post much, because I usually don't have any new to add. I did think the photo I posted was worth posting though, because it would've been one of the last photos taken of The Bank of New South Wales before it was demolished in 1972. Not to mention the look on that demolition man's face, as he eyes-off his next victim.

On second thought, I don't mind the reno either. Let bygones be bygone. At least the QVB was saved from the wreckers, and this reno will at least fix the George Street alignment which bugged me more than anything.

And @ Papervag: I have let the Mac boffins know about the news of a likely new Sydney Apple Store (on a dedicated Apple Store Forum) and am now just waiting for the wet seat responses. Actually, it IS pretty big news that Australia's first Apple Store is opening, and probably deserves it's own thread in the Skybar. The opening will most definately make the news, and I know I'll be visiting often. Here's a photo of the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue in New York - it's glass cubed entrance looking reminiscent of the glazed retail foyer at 77 King Street.
http://images.apple.com/retail/fifthavenue/gallery/images/photo1.jpg

[Muse]

I'm pretty sure the Apple Store with have an iTunes d/load section, now that the official Aussie single & album charts such as Brazen, ARIA is including digital downloads and not just counter sales. I reckon it will become Sydney's flagship Apple Store.

I guess the refurb won't be completed until early 2008 anyway.

[SinCity]

Each time I see that beautiful Victorian era bank I just want to cry. Such a pity on its loss. :(

[Agent 096]

@ Culwulla
The Apple aficionados were not convinced when I told them an Apple Store is to open at 77 King. Apparantly there is a standard Apple Store layout and they couldn't see how it could be configured to fit the retail space of 77 King Street. Do you know if there is a new DA for the Apple Store fitout? Or are they going to use the existing retail floor plans for one of the two retail tenancies of the current DA?

[CULWULLA]

^ ive seen the plans for the ground floor. definatley an Apple store. i reckon there would be lots of reconfigure to suit new layout. i think its most of floor.

[Muse]

Stripping it away:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/Muse11/77KingA15Nov2006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/Muse11/77KingB15Nov2006.jpg

[Lord_Bertrum]

The Apple store will do alot to revitalise the retail along that strip of George street. We just need to lose some of the tatty souvenier shops.

[Fabian]

Two shots from last week

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/4727/pb100454hb0.jpg

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8994/pb100453hz7.jpg

[CULWULLA]

thats a shit load of scafolding.

[Mephisto]

I'm more interested about details on this new apple store. So it's an official Apple store, not a re-seller? wow.

[Muse]

We should just rename this thread "The Apple Store" ;)

[wowsim]

Westpac's tower in Melbourne is an utter abomination too IMO. I hope it gets a similar refurb. :ohno:

[Muse]

Mesh and working platforms now to full height (& a tad more) of the existing structure:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/Muse11/77KingStRefurbB17Dec2006.jpg

[CULWULLA]

i suppose not much to look at now for 12 months or so.
even bigger eyesore now.lol

[CULWULLA]

some plans of new APPLE STORE. The new store will take up half floors of 77king, first 3 floors.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/1638/77kingappleelevatjy5.jpg

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/8343/77kingapplefloorlk6.jpg

side view. (3m neon apple shown hanging)

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/5061/77kingstsideviewby0.jpg

NEW render showing atrium and neon apple.

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/1123/77kingstnewxe9.jpg

[gazmo]

Wow - the plans and the renders make the Apple Store a done deal... the story is the SMH is much more speculative and the report should be reading this thread as Muse mentioned the Apple Store connection as far back as November 2006.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/biztech/apple-to-set-up-shop-in-downtown-sydney/2007/02/07/1170524145606.html

[CULWULLA]

^ i mentioned it on nov 2 (#42) after seeing tentative plans for ground floor for 77 king st.no one believed me.hehe
yes top location. as mentined in skybar thread. its first apple store OWNED by Apple Inc. others around oz are crappy franchise.
cshould open within a few months.

[gazmo]

If open "within a few months" does that mean the store will be opened while the rest of the tower above it is still being reclad?

[CULWULLA]

^yes.

[Cariad]

I think it is a good location, whilst it is busy there is nothing to really draw you there as all the stores are along Pitt St, so should create a better atmosphere etc.

[Cariad]

Also isn't it funny, the building before we were all moaning it was nothing special, whack in a Apple store and it looks 100 times better!

[sydney_lad]

^^^^

This building is fucking special.

[powlie]

haha.

yes! i love the apple company... god i cant wait to get my grubby fingers on one of those iPhones... anyway, great news for Sydney! can't wait to check it out

[Fabian]

Today, a small section of the scaffholding along the eastern side of the building towards the base was exposed and all you could see was just concrete from the existing building.

[SYDNEYAHOLIC]

Was just thinking.

An Apple store makes a building look hyper modern no matter what. Especially if its being refurbished to look modern.

What will be great is that when you stand outside the front of the shop and look up and down George St you will not be able to see any angle without a skyscraper, as Lumiere has filled in the very last gap.

VERY New York (maybe downtown though because the MIdtown grid enables you to see a long canyon with sky at the end)

[Mephisto]

Apple Store.. fricken awesome!

[SYDNEYAHOLIC]

It sure beats the current Apple store on the corner of Parramatta Road and Glebe Point Road.

Will be absolutely AWESOME (man)....

[Agent 096]

There is nothing like a true Apple Store in Australia at all. Or all of Asia (outside of Japan) for that matter.

If you're a fan of Apple Inc. this is a major coup for Australia (a Melbourne Store is soon to follow). The current crop of Apple 'Centres' are merely re-sellers of Apple products. As an Apple user, I have not been impressed with their service (Apple Centres) when I've had a question. And servicing seems v backyard, despite the flashy shopfittings. I've always resorted to DIY rather than pay through the nose for the arrogant and often ill-informed advice from an Apple Centre.

This true Apple Store: designed, owned and operated by Apple Inc. will have unparallelled product knowledge experts on the sales floor, as well as the famous workshops (mini-seminars full of tips & tricks), Genius Bar (troubleshooting experts), and The Studio (for creative support).

http://images.apple.com/uk/retail/workshops/images/top-workshops.gifhttp://images.apple.com/uk/retail/geniusbar/images/top-geniusbar.gifhttp://images.apple.com/uk/retail/thestudio/images/top-thestudio.gif

The grand opening will be a major event in itself. And being the first Australian Apple Store it will be international news. Notice how just the 'rumour' of an Apple Store opening has already made news in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. As well as being front page news on Apple rumour websites all around the world.

I have to laugh though, when I think that no notice was taken when I passed on Culwulla's information to the rumour sites in November 2006. One vague news story in the SMH and suddenly they can't get enough information.

I have my reservations about the store opening before the building is finished though. Apple is so image concious that they have photoshopped power lines, traffic, and traffic signals out of the official pics of their (US) stores. Then again, that's probably exactly what they'll do in Sydney too! They'll probably want to open in June for the WWDC (world wide developers' conference) when a swag of new products are expected to be released (including OSX Leopard).

Watch this space :)

[SYDNEYAHOLIC]

Maybe a proper Ipod store will make Sydney a proper world class city:laugh: :laugh: :colgate:

[Muse]

It will certainly leave that silly Sony Store/Showroom on the cnr of George & Goulburn Streets @ World Square for dead!!

Besides the great makeover (IMO) of 77 King with its glass edifice, I can't wait for the 3m high Apple neon that will front George St and I'm sure the store itself will be like nothing Sydney has ever seen before. It will truly be high-tech with amazingly groovy fitouts for sure.

BTW For those interested, there is a 2nd planned fully-fledged Apple Store planned for South Yarra in the approved Fun Factory Development (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=349128&page=8&highlight=Apple)

[Agent 096]

Congratulations Culwulla! The DA plans you showed us have ended up in the Sydney Morning Herald (via ISOAppleStore and AppleInsider). Finally being noticed! :banana:

I forwarded the information to ISOAppleStore ages ago, but no-one took any notice until the plans became available. And I noticed, Culwulla, that you re-posted them yourself on AppleInsider!

Another scoop from Culwulla, but this time, the SMH has referenced their sources as being web forums that we know got their information from Culwulla (because Cul & I posted the information on those forums personally).

Nice one! Once again OzScrapers is the place to be to hear it first :dance2:

[rob_]

ha you guys are fast, will be good to get life into that area

[A r c h i]

BTW For those interested, there is a 2nd planned fully-fledged Apple Store planned for South Yarra in the approved Fun Factory Development (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=349128&page=8&highlight=Apple)

I hope I get credited in the papers for that.:D Although considering Cul wasn't credited with 77 King St, I doubt I will.

[CULWULLA]

addtional section on roof. adds 10m to height
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/161/434591370_e6d3def37c_b.jpg

[Muse]

I was concerned about the existing blank wall, and now they've just added to it. We'll see.

Thanks CUL.

[Austraarabian]

I cant b bothered going thru the thread so if I repeat anything just relax.

Latest News on Apple Store:

- It set to open on September 30. (I highly doubt that, nothing has even happened on the site, still a big fat construction site)
- Its location, according to apple is on 367 George St (Not as thread quotes 77 King St)
- The Sydney Apple store will be it for Australia, for now anyway. There are NO plans and have never been any plans to open another Apple Store in Aus.

Read it today at work out of a NY magazine for apple and thought i would share it. I hope it opens September. I thought it would open next yr, coz its still kinda messy. And they are still trying to recruit. If any1 wants to apply go to the apple website.

[Muse]

You'll possibly find 367 George is the same spot. Seeing the store runs lenghtwise along George. Besides, A George St address sounds easier to locate than a King St one anyway.

Sept. 30 eh? OK.

BTW Don't know what you mean by nothing happening on the site. Plenty is. Those completion dates always sound tight.

[LanceDriver]

the shop itself will be fronting along george st, the longer length, and not king st. it used to be a westpac IT building and their old data centre many years ago (before moving to North Ryde) and the entrance to the offices above was on king st hence 77 king st. not sure where the entrance to the new offices will be.

[Muse]

77 King looks like it'll still use the same area as an entrance leading to the office floor lifts. Courtesy of vag:

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/papervagina/77king.jpg

[zulu69]

Have to say after reading an article in a Frobes mag i bought a couple of weeks back, i'm actually looking forward to the Apple Store. I'm def not a mac perswon myself, but I really want to see the genius bar and all the apparently unsurpassed quality (materials and service). No doubt this will become one of the most visited stores in Syd (it is the most visited in NYC). This area is really going to go gandbusters. This, with westfield, mid city and hopefully JB will deepen the canyon and shopping experience.
The store looks cool and a George St frontage is arguably unsurpassed in OZ. Exciting times.

[Stocko]

i cant wait!!! I love mac so im extra excited! But sydney is in for a treat cause mac stores rock! seriously i have been to the one in London and Santa Monica and both are amazing, both for the products they sell and the interiors (clear staircases, glass walkways etc)

[Austraarabian]

I saw renders and DAM it looked awesome! Very Times Squarish. And the glass of the apple store kinda comes out on to road... if u know what i mean? I think George St is reinforcing itself as one of the world's most commercial districts. All it needs now is a bloody nice big theatre and a 200 + tower. COME ON AND BUILD A THEATRE LIKE THE ONE ON MARKET ST! That would look amazing next to Mid-City, QVB, Apple Store!

[Austraarabian]

Anyways - now that article is with me:

Excerpts about the design:

"367 George St with a 77 King as sidestreet"
A white apple logo will be suspended in the middle of the three level of glass facade.
"The Sydney design will have elements of a Fifth Ave version"
Then they keep talking about the suspended Apple logo which is going to be pretty big.
The design shows "5000 square feet per level"
They have a few pictures of plan and then a pic of what the store will look like.
Thats all for what has not already been mentioned in this thread.
They mention Sydney with other cities that have an approved construction.
Then they have a number of cities with a proposal on it. - No OZ cities mentioned.
Then they have cities for Visions for a new store proposal - No OZ cities mentioned again.

[LanceDriver]

scan and post!

[Fabian]

Yesterday. Noticed some mesh had disappeared from a section of the tower exposing the concrete

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/P4131327.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/P4131326.jpg

[Austraarabian]

scan and post!

No Scanner! Nothing that has already been mentioned besides what I added. Im sure SCC will have more info on it. Or you can email developers ISP????? Or you can just wait and c it for yourself on Sep. 30 (not long to go at all)

[CULWULLA]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/174/473139268_7b195c8672_b.jpg

[Fabian]

No noticable changes there.

[Austraarabian]

New store announced for Glasgow - Scotland. According to CNN Apple profit grew with confidence of Sydney store and Glasgow store. Both stores will apparently be very high profile stores. A third one is also planned for NY.
Also mentioned that there was some talk about a Melb store however unfortunately Melbournians would have to wait as it is just "speculation"They said developers might not even go ahead since there is already an apple store around chapel st. but if it did the store would definetly be outside of CBD.
They said something about a genius bar aswell- and store should be open in time for christmas!!!

[CULWULLA]

another 2metre of concrete parapet, now 80m high at top

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/8460/0001436arn6.jpg

[CULWULLA]

this keeps getting taller. no idea what that steel beam is doing on roof

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1299/773794267_ba1133794e_b.jpg

[Muse]

Some construction pics from http://www.built.com.au

http://www.built.com.au/library/project/0010-01-lg-77kingv21.jpg

http://www.built.com.au/library/project/0010-02-lg-77kingv31.jpg

http://www.built.com.au/library/project/0010-03-lg-77kingv32.jpg

http://www.built.com.au/library/project/0010-04-lg-77kingv33.jpg

[CULWULLA]

great find muse
the george st roof now has some steel frame popping up above plantroom. hopefully ill find out what its going to be.

[Muse]

great find muse
the george st roof now has some steel frame popping up above plantroom. hopefully ill find out what its going to be.All I can think of is that the black frame is now going to extend to the very edge of the building, instead of falling short of it as in the renders.

[CULWULLA]

have a look at post 101. can you see the white steel beams sticking well above rusty colour steel frame.

[Muse]

have a look at post 101. can you see the white steel beams sticking well above rusty colour steel frame.Looks permanent. Is it a frame or just the one stick? If a frame, maybe for lodging a logo/naming rights. If a stick, maybe a lil spire is going to be attached. Once again, nothing indicated in the renders.

[CULWULLA]

theres two of them thus far.im pissed off because we dont have correct model. and plans are hard to locate. hopefully something soon.

[papervagina]

The render on the Built site also looks different to the last one posted by Culwulla.

Built render:
http://www.built.com.au/library/project/0010-05-lg-kingst.jpg

Culwulla render:
http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/1123/77kingstnewxe9.jpg

Which one's right? The Built one doesn't appear to include the Apple store, so hopefully it's out of date.

[rob_]

can they do that? just build some random feature, and tell the council later...

[CULWULLA]

^no, but could be sect96, which shows up later.

[CULWULLA]

the model is coming in next week. renders also

[CULWULLA]

model photos. new height 83m, up from original 73m height. not a bad increase.
these are from 0.0 datum/but you can see where street starts

george st elev

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7093/img2446ayk9.jpg

rear elev
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/576/img2438aoo1.jpg

[CULWULLA]

even more accurate info. former height 89.7mRL, now 102.5m, street=17m, thus height above grd=85.5m.

[Joelby]

Thanks for the pictures. I'm getting really excited about this one, it's hopefully should be a real stunner once done.

[CULWULLA]

yes, anything is better then what was there.
this would be tallest bldg in parramatta if it was out there.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1073/842274897_056b096368_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1160/993119832_f172a208a0_b.jpg

[Muse]

The developers must be in a hurry to complete this refurb as there were some workers on the job today. Hope they get paid well for working on a Sunday despite the AWA (Australian Workplace Agreements)

[Fabian]

Look like it's crying out for attention (see bottom right)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Sydney%20City/P8152330AA.jpg

[makoppa]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1046/1261852685_3277071612.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1312/1262699890_7a2daf9309.jpg

[Muse]

Finally some glass. Looks good. I don't mind seeing a reflection of The Tower.

Thanks.

[Brendan]

The glass does not look like the render. :ohno:

[CULWULLA]

^no glass ever does. i like it. we need more glass in George st.

[Fabian]

Excellent glass. I love it :)

[Fabian]

Friday. A bit too sunny for these.

Superb glass

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/P8311521-1.jpg

Cmon Avatar, you have to admit that you love this glass...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/P8311522-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/P8311495.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/P8311493.jpg

Evidence of more cladding behind the scaffholds

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/P8311494.jpg

[SYDNEYAHOLIC]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/P8311522-1.jpg



It looks like the building across the road. :lol:

[LanceDriver]

^ wow, so it does! i like how they've warped it a bit to give it it's own character.

[Fabian]

Yesterday

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/P9211575.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/P9211576.jpg

[Muse]

^^ Love the 1st pic post Fabian. Can't wait till the glass fronting George St gets a good clean.

[finn]

King & George St will be a very classy intersection once 77 King is completed, with the other three corners of the intersection already nicely developed.

[Brendan]

The glass looks great although I wish it had less opacity.

[CULWULLA]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/1529199070_1feeed538a_b.jpg

[LanceDriver]

btw - is this at max height that it was allowed to be expanded to?

[CULWULLA]

yes. its gone from 70m to 86m. not a bad increase for just a refurb.

[Fabian]

Overdue pics from last week.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/PA042448.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/PA042450.jpg

[Avatar]

More opacity means more reflectivity ... great outcome I say.

[nOchAos]

Article from todays SMH (http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/revealed-apples-sydney-shopfront/2007/10/11/1191696046043.html)
http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/10/11/applestore_narrowweb__300x459,0.jpg

October 11, 2007 - 12:04PM


An architectural sketch of the new Apple store in Sydney's George Street.

Apple's secretive plans for an official retail store in Sydney - understood to be the first in the southern hemisphere - have been revealed in council documents, which suggest it's unlikely the store will open for business before mid-2008.

The elaborate store, which is now under construction on the corner of King Street and George Street, will spread over three levels and, according to architectural drawings, each level will have a floor space of about 445 square metres.

The company handling the store's construction, Kell & Rigby, has now been granted permission from the City of Sydney Council to perform a full road closure of George Street between King Street and Market Street on various evenings in January and February next year.

The dates suggest it is unlikely the store will open before the middle of next year, but Apple has already taken out advertisements seeking staff to work there.

"The proposed closure is required to stand a 90-tonne mobile crane in the street to help install a glass facade to the premises at 77 King Street," the council documents stated.

At the entrance to the store, Apple plans to suspend a large white Apple logo inside a transparent glass facade.

The store takes obvious design cues from the famed Fifth Avenue Apple outlet in New York City, which was designed in part by Apple CEO Steve Jobs and inspired by I. M. Pei's glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris.

The most distinct similarity is the New York store's entrance - a glass cube, each side measuring just under 10 metres, with an Apple logo suspended in the middle.

Plans for the Sydney store also include a glass staircase, which will connect the three levels. The top level includes what appears to be a "Genius Bar", which is in all Apple stores and is where customerscould go to discuss technical issues with product experts.

The total cost for the Sydney construction project is estimated to be over $US15 million ($23.6 million), but that is just a drop in the ocean for Apple, which views its chic stores as huge money spinners.

In its latest financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2007, Apple reported total worldwide retail store profits of $US184 million from revenues of $US915 million. Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer said then that store revenues had increased by 33 per cent compared to the same quarter of 2006.

Today, Apple sells its products to Australians through its online store and various third-party retailers, but there is no official, local shopfront.

Myer recently opened a handful of mini Apple shops inside some of its Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane stores, similar to what other department store chains have done overseas. But it is understood Myer's initiative is separate and will have little effect on plans for the Sydney store being built by Apple.

The planned road closures on George Street will occur on evenings between January 20 and February 20 from 9pm to 5am. Traffic will need to be diverted, the council documents show.

Apple has been notoriously tight-lipped about its plans for the store and declined to comment on this story, other than to confirm a Sydney store was in the works.

By the end of this year Apple will have around 200 official retail stores, most of which are located in the United States, although there are a handful located in Britain, Canada and Japan.

Earlier this year, there were rumours Apple was planning another official Australian store east of Melbourne's central business district in Stonnington, but Apple has not confirmed this and construction has yet to begin at the rumoured site.

[Grollo]

Gee, the Sydney Morning Herald is on the ball, it's only taken them a year to find this thread and find out that there will be an Apple store in this building :-)

[Cariad]

Yeah that's what I was thinking .... Um old news!

[LanceDriver]

other than trying to make out that it's "hot news" the story was still quite interesting.

[Fabian]

Meanwhile back at the site, full steam ahead today... This is news :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/PA112594.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/PA112595.jpg

[Joelby]

This Apple Store is going to completely re-vitalise the area I reckon. I predict surrounding shops will also be re-furbed and this area will be a shopper's delight. I can't wait!

[Lord_Bertrum]

Underneath will be a new Rebel Sport, down the road their will be theskyview, and that's before the Mid-City Centre reopens in 2010.

[nsn]

Is this the place where there was mooted to be an Aldi store going in underground? Has it been repalced by a Rebel Sport? Or is the Aldi moving in elsewhere on George St?

[Lord_Bertrum]

Aldi is supposed to be going into the basement of theskyview (opposite Myer on George St) and Rebel Sport should be going into the basement of this one (77 King Street).

[shaggers_jr]

Today, Apple sells its products to Australians through its online store and various third-party retailers, but there is no official, local shopfront.

Um, so what are those "apple stores" that are everywhere? Like the one on Glebe Point Road or opposite the Taxi Club in Darlinghurst? I don't understand...

[CULWULLA]

^there not american owned. this one will be first

[CULWULLA]

repost
There is nothing like a true Apple Store in Australia at all. Or all of Asia (outside of Japan) for that matter.

If you're a fan of Apple Inc. this is a major coup for Australia (a Melbourne Store is soon to follow). The current crop of Apple 'Centres' are merely re-sellers of Apple products. As an Apple user, I have not been impressed with their service (Apple Centres) when I've had a question. And servicing seems v backyard, despite the flashy shopfittings. I've always resorted to DIY rather than pay through the nose for the arrogant and often ill-informed advice from an Apple Centre.

This true Apple Store: designed, owned and operated by Apple Inc. will have unparallelled product knowledge experts on the sales floor, as well as the famous workshops (mini-seminars full of tips & tricks), Genius Bar (troubleshooting experts), and The Studio (for creative support).

http://images.apple.com/uk/retail/workshops/images/top-workshops.gifhttp://images.apple.com/uk/retail/geniusbar/images/top-geniusbar.gifhttp://images.apple.com/uk/retail/thestudio/images/top-thestudio.gif

The grand opening will be a major event in itself. And being the first Australian Apple Store it will be international news. Notice how just the 'rumour' of an Apple Store opening has already made news in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. As well as being front page news on Apple rumour websites all around the world.

I have to laugh though, when I think that no notice was taken when I passed on Culwulla's information to the rumour sites in November 2006. One vague news story in the SMH and suddenly they can't get enough information.

I have my reservations about the store opening before the building is finished though. Apple is so image concious that they have photoshopped power lines, traffic, and traffic signals out of the official pics of their (US) stores. Then again, that's probably exactly what they'll do in Sydney too! They'll probably want to open in June for the WWDC (world wide developers' conference) when a swag of new products are expected to be released (including OSX Leopard).

Watch this space :)

[Joelby]

The Apple stores we currently have are just Apple re-sellers.

About 7 or 8 years back they tried to get the different re-seller chains all to combine into some quasi-proper Apple store setup, and all of them agreed except one chain, (my old employer) Next Byte. My understanding was that there was alot of concessions that had to be made by each of the members and it never really worked out the way anyone expected or wanted it to.

Now all these years later, Apple are charging on in to do it themselves and cannibalise the market they wanted to unify all those years ago, and I daresay the companies that combined years back stand to lose alot. Apple geeks are proud of being Apple geeks and will relish nothing more than to shop at an official Apple store in the city...

[LanceDriver]

^ a documentary was made about that attempt to merge all the re-sellers, it was quite interesting.

[rob_]

i don't understand the hype about apple

[Brendan]

i don't understand the hype about apple

Yes. Nor do I.

[Agent 096]

He he. Apple has managed to create one of the most fiercely loyal customer bases of any company that I know. Take the  logo...people actually plaster the sticker you get when you buy a Mac or iPod onto their cars...I can't imagine people wanting to sticker a Microsoft logo on their car. Apple have managed to create beautifully designed products that have captured the collective consumer imagination, therefore, anything new from Apple is always eagerly anticipated. You don't have to like Apple products to appreciate or understand the hype. Like any hype (Harry Potter, Krispy Kreme, Star Trek, Star Wars, etc.) the appeal is never universal. On the contrary - hype is usually created by a small group of particularly zealous fans, and Apple fans are particularly zealous ;)

[Fabian]

Today

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Sydney%20City/Construction/DSCF0166.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Sydney%20City/Construction/DSCF0165.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Sydney%20City/Construction/DSCF0177.jpg

[Ipggi]

He he. Apple has managed to create one of the most fiercely loyal customer bases of any company that I know. Take the  logo...people actually plaster the sticker you get when you buy a Mac or iPod onto their cars...I can't imagine people wanting to sticker a Microsoft logo on their car. Apple have managed to create beautifully designed products that have captured the collective consumer imagination, therefore, anything new from Apple is always eagerly anticipated. You don't have to like Apple products to appreciate or understand the hype. Like any hype (Harry Potter, Krispy Kreme, Star Trek, Star Wars, etc.) the appeal is never universal. On the contrary - hype is usually created by a small group of particularly zealous fans, and Apple fans are particularly zealous ;)

Very true, watch any video of a Macworld Conference & Expo presentation or announcement, specifically of the crowd. They are like religious zealots being preached too by their deity.

[Brendan]

I drove past the site today. Stuck at a red light I looked up and realised what it was lol. I think it will really enhance the area, especially that glass. A minor focal point in an otherwise boring stretch of road. Can't wait.

[Fabian]

And the top is now revealed for the world to see. Looks fab

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/DSCF0501.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/DSCF0506.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/DSCF0507.jpg

[Joelby]

OMG that is hot!!! I can't wait for this building to be unveiled in it's entirety.

[lawson18]

am i the only one who thinks this will turn out like crap, this architecture will look quite dated 10 years down the track.

[Brendan]

^^

Well I used to think it would turn out crap however I must say now I am quite a fan of this building an am really excited until it is completed.

I think it gives the street a "New York" look to it. Just look at that first picture Fabian just posted, don't you think that street looks like it should belong in Manhattan? A fantastic building, not exactly landmark, but fantastic. I cannot wait to look up out of the passenger window of the car looking up at this building.

Anyway, just remember it looks 10x better than what we had.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid128/p74131a2a1cc8c8ae63d46d5e2f7f479b/f7d84e08.jpg

[cammo2004]

All I want to know is why did they ever bother with a blank wall? when they built this thing? I mean, it's not like the building next door is ever going to be built upon. It's a sandstone stunner, (the only thing ruining it of course is the McD's that's in it. :bash:

[finn]

All I want to know is why did they ever bother with a blank wall? when they built this thing? I mean, it's not like the building next door is ever going to be built upon. It's a sandstone stunner, (the only thing ruining it of course is the McD's that's in it. :bash:

If you think about, at the time this was built it was probably highly likely that the building next door would be demolished at some stage. Sure, we recognise it as an important heritage building now, but something equally attractive was probably demolished for 77 King St.

Besides, I don't think you're allowed to have windows on a wall along a property boundary line. Also, what if the heritage building burns down, or something like that? Then it could be redeveloped and the property owner shouldn't be restricted by having to allow views and light into the neighbouring building's windows if they are along the boundary.

[Brizer]

Some time ago there were pics of the beautiful little High Victorian Bank of NSW (Westpac now) building that previously occupied the site on the Lost Buildings (or whatever the thread was called: help, some-one!) thread. It was a real loss.

Walking past the site the other day I realised that this is the first high rise office, to my knowledge, (even if 'only' a renov.), by Burley Katon Halliday who've done some amazing residential work in the past couple of decades.

[Edward]

I want an apple store and i want it NOW!!!
They are all soo damn good looking and im sure this one will be no exception!
Congrats!

[CULWULLA]

the site once had the gorgeous ES & A BAnk. should never have been demolished.
thread>
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=343593&page=2

[Muse]

Passed the site right on 4.00PM (Saturday) & some kind of metallic layer had been placed right under the new added floors on the blank southern wall. It wasn't alpolic but a much duller material. Holes had been punched into it, in strategic places. Signage backing perhaps?

[CULWULLA]

looks good
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/2072993308_4319289efc_b.jpg

[A r c h i]

Yeah, the masonry looks much better than it did in the renders, looks very clean. Turning out to be a pretty awesome refurb.

[Fabian]

I took these today

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/DSCF1021.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Construction/DSCF1012.jpg

[papervagina]

I hope they're not going to leave the southern side like that; it spoils the beauty of the northern side.

[zulu69]

Wow looks great, except for the Southern side. Came out better than i expected.

[LanceDriver]

Unfortunately I don't think they can do anything with the south side, its the boundary wall. Looks great otherwise.

[papervagina]

They could at least paint it! The view in Fabian's last photo will look even better when it includes the reflection of the reflective Mid City Centre.

[Cariad]

Or at least cover the wall with huge advertsing, make a more visual and I am sure signage cannot be any uglier than a concrete wall?

[LanceDriver]

yeah, they could at least spruce it up a bit considering that it is very unlikely that another building will ever be built up against that wall. the little one below looks like it will be there forever unless something dramatic happens.

[Muse]

About 2 years ago CUL showed some renders of a refurb with a couple of levels added to one of the 60s buildings a few doors up, on the other side of the Maccas - perhaps the one with the red panelling. If it eventually goes ahead that'll help a tad, @ least from further up towards Market St.

Other than that, so much better than what was there previously.

[Brendan]

Oh my GOD that glass looks hot!

[CULWULLA]

i saw it today. one of best refurbs ive seen. all scaffold is off. they just have paint southwall. just brilliant.

[Joelby]

OMG I might go get a picture tomorrow then...

[Joelby]

Okay, I got a few pictures yesterday. It's looking awesome...

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d155/aobboi/IMG_1113.jpg


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d155/aobboi/IMG_1114.jpg


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d155/aobboi/IMG_1115.jpg

I love the randomness of the windows...


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d155/aobboi/IMG_1116.jpg

Crane's gone!

[LanceDriver]

Good photos of an excellent refurb. Its a building so much better than the one I used to work in. I think it will really suit that corner especially once apple arrives.

[CULWULLA]

great 2 c a great black glass scraper. really good rfurb
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2075/2099774144_42662359fc_b.jpg

[outbackbox]

Are those patterns going to superimpose the front too? They are so cool!!! Or is it just from the corners and back?

[CULWULLA]

only up a to 6th floor then its dark glass.

[CULWULLA]

like this
http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/1123/77kingstnewxe9.jpg

[outbackbox]

Where is the brown thing along the glass?

[PD]

That is a stylin 80m.
Well done.

[CULWULLA]

i think the perimeter brown extrusion has been left off final plans. i think its better without it.

[Brendan]

I actually would prefer it if they added the brown bit. The transition between the concrete and glass facades is far too heavy and the glass desperately needs something to "harnass" it. The brown strip part would look perfect, IMO. But I'm really not concerned that much, it still looks fantastic and has been a great refurb on a 1970s building.

[A r c h i]

The brown bit's actually black.

[Brendan]

You may or may not be correct. As we can see in the render, it appears brown and as it has yet to exist in real life we can conclude that it is brown. But if you have read the plans for the building and taken notice that it is infact, black, then you are correct.

[A r c h i]

Having done numerous renders with different programs, black doesn't always render as black depending on the settings of the sunlight. Plus it's the same colour as the mullions on the corner.

[CULWULLA]

looked like a mud colour today.

[Fabian]

great 2 c a great black glass scraper. really good rfurb
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2075/2099774144_42662359fc_b.jpg

I go away for a holiday and then they decide to reveal it in all it's glory. It looks great :)

[outbackbox]

The brown bit looks beautiful - makes it look surreal!
What a fantastic building. Imagine the whole thing was colored in those boxes would have looked a million dullers. It looks like a cartoon.. i love it!

[Joelby]

I think I prefer the black/brown/whatever edging off it. It makes it look a bit like a giant television in the render. It's infinitely more sexy without it imho :)

[CULWULLA]

just pait down south wall and done
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/2119685744_7ca1dc7414_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2101/2121178011_7e8b8ce8cc_b.jpg

[outbackbox]

Is the lower levels/ground floor/ lobby whateva you want to call it going to come out on to the streetscape like on fifth?

[CULWULLA]

the lower level does come out to pavement
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/8343/77kingapplefloorlk6.jpg

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/5061/77kingstsideviewby0.jpg

[Fabian]

How good is this?

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8283/dscf2477kb1.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/9646/dscf2524io0.jpg

[CULWULLA]

looks good, hope they paint the south wall soon.looks shocking

[Fabian]

Yesterday

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/1403/dscf2836om5.jpg

[lawson18]

I don't really like that black glass, it doesn't really go with the light coloured stone.

[Lord_Bertrum]

In the flesh it looks alot better.

[Fabian]

I don't really like that black glass, it doesn't really go with the light coloured stone.

I like the contrast.

You have to admit, it's like getting a completely a new building.

Ten News still shows the old 77 King in it's nightly opener (the street scene)

SIl_gt1KQDY

[lawson18]

yeah suppose its better than nothing , this place is going to have the whitest interior in the cbd.

[CULWULLA]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2347/2263495869_193aa3c601_b.jpg

[Muse]

As pic indicates, they've polished up the main wad of glass....looks cool.

No indication of The Apple Store being unveiled yet.

[Brendan]

Very New York. I love it! :)

[Fabian]

I was reminded of it's past yet again in the ten news opener tonight :(

[LanceDriver]

I heard brendan topped himself because this building is glass and not concrete.

[Joelby]

I'm sorry, I can't stay silent on this either. I didn't see Fabian's original comment, but that aside this whole forum was played for a bunch of suckers with the most cruel hoax imaginable. This is an issue alot of us have experienced first hand (myself included), and I am absolutely gobsmacked that he's allowed to still use these forums.

I'm so incredibly disillusioned and pissed off at this place right now. I'm completely stunned how this has been allowed to pass.

[Cariad]

Come on guys build a bridge. Yes I know it was all rather irresponsible, but he is a 15 year old, and we all know what they can be like!
And if a "forumer" has upset you that much then you take this website all too seriously.
He should be given a warning, but I dont feel silly or sad. We just know next time to take what he says with a pinch of salt, after all we don't really know each other and isn't all this a little "make believe" anyway?

You are all welcome to give him a slap should we meet him at one of the meeting though :o)

So anyway, back to the Apple ;o)

[Stocko]

when is the apple shop opening? i cant wait! and the refurbishment of this building is looking great

[cristobal_underscore]

Ban the little bitch.

The stunt he pulled was not amusing at all.

[CULWULLA]

when is the apple shop opening? i cant wait! and the refurbishment of this building is looking great

6 weeks.:banana:

[walexx]

6 weeks ??, how deff is that Culwulla ??. Btw, yes i know its in here somewhere, but when is the big apple logo gonna be put in ?. George St is supposed to be closed off late at night sometime this month but I cant remember when.

Hmmmmm, 6weeks ha ?, now who the hell am I gonna convince from all of my friends to go and camp out with me for the opening.... hehhehehe

[papervagina]

Well according to this (http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/documents/meetings/2007/Traffic/200907/070919_STC_ITEM14.pdf) tonight is the last night of street closures associated with installing the glass box.

They got approval to close George Street 4 nights a week for four weeks - has anyone been by on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday night lately to see if anything has been happening? It doesn't look like there's much glass box progress in Cul's photo from a week ago.

[walexx]

Cool, thanks for that papervagina, much appreciated.

Damn, id love to go down there and take a looksie :)

[CULWULLA]

i noticed today the george st frontage is shrouded in white cover, so you cant see a thing behind it.

[Edward]

6 weeks.:banana:

OMG I'll be in sydney then!!!
Must try out Macbook air! (In sydney...)

[Avatar]

OMG I'll be in sydney then!!!
Must try out Macbook air! (In sydney...)

The apple shop on Pitt Street has one.

[fulltimecasual]

hey guys, just signed up to let you know alot of us on mactalk.com.au have been reading this thread to find out when the official apple store might open.

last night, one of our members took some photos of the crane and george st closed, which you might find interesting.

they can be found here:

http://forums.mactalk.com.au/showpost.php?p=454642&postcount=287

[LanceDriver]

^ cool...

[walexx]

I went past the Apple Store last night and on the corner of George and King you can just see through the gaps in the boards and it reveals some massive panes of glass. You can see the ceilings inside with holes in them ready for lighting, but yeah, from the very little I could see it looked very impressive.

I cant wait for when the scaffolding comes down and you can see more.

The actual building itself too looks so much nicer in real life than in the photos.

[Ipggi]

I guess this Apple store will be the next big 'it' item in Sydney for a while when it opens.:llama:

[Mephisto]

Being a big apple geek I can't wait till the store opens!

[outbackbox]

when does it open?

[Muse]

It's still not certain & it was supposed to already be operational.

Telstra has opend up a techno-lifestyle concept store directly across the street on the corner of King & George, known as T.Life. It's over a couple of levels and has d/load sections, high-tech gizmos 'n gazmos, lots of plasmas. Obviously Telstra has thought ahead with Apple looming across the street.

[CULWULLA]

when does it open?
see post #216
i mentioned on feb20, about 6 weeks. so i guess early April.

[CULWULLA]

zoomed in from bathurst st
the south wall still needs paint
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2079/2330516560_70e63aa33a_b.jpg

[CULWULLA]

lets paint
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2209/2364948221_fd5d58f06b_b.jpg

[LanceDriver]

this one's great!

[CULWULLA]

i was really impressed with this building today. the glass is top notch, the cladding is excellent. the george st entrance isnt far away.2 weeks apparently

[outbackbox]

i love this building... there should be more of these buildings around... very in your face style.

[white_goodman]

what do the floor plans look like?

[Edward]

This sucker will open in the last week of June along with the Australian iPhone!!! :)

[Fabian]

As of last week, it was just the podium that was still all hoarded up. It's been that way for some time. I guess Apple are trying to keep this all secret.

[abc]

i've been to three Apple stores... they like to have lots of glass, and a glass staircase.

[CULWULLA]

it was supposed to be early april, now june? oh well. should be worth wait

[Mephisto]

June 1.

[white_goodman]

www.77king.com.au

[CULWULLA]

bizare sticky over glass foyer
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/2420471798_efac5fc96e_b.jpg

[abc]

yeah they do that at all their stores before opening.

Have a look at mactalk.com.au

[zulu69]

The Apple store is rumoured to be opened up by Steve Jobs himself. The opening will coincide with the OZ launch of the iphone. So i reckon June 9th is looking good.

[LanceDriver]

There's even been security guards stopping people from taking sneak peaks and there's even curtains over the service entry that construction have to pass through.

[papervagina]

The Apple store is rumoured to be opened up by Steve Jobs himself. The opening will coincide with the OZ launch of the iphone. So i reckon June 9th is looking good.

It won't be opening on the 9th if Jobs is going to be there - he'll be at the WWDC in San Francisco. The SMH seems to think it will open on the 19th (perhaps your 9th was a typo?).

[zulu69]

^ yup your right. Lets see though. Either way i'm getting my iphone overseas in july!

[outbackbox]

I have to say its freakn delicious building. I can never walk past without staring at it for so long!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! spectacular looking. I have noticed many many others always staring at it too

[abc]

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/05/26/1211653914950.html

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/emerbot/applestore3_wideweb__470x3100.jpg