Michael Steeber, 9to5Mac:

Apple’s historic Tysons Corner store could be preparing to see an inspired move. Recent plans indicate that construction of a significantly larger and more modern replacement space may soon begin at the nearby Tysons Galleria.

This is big news. The Apple Store at Tysons Corner was the very first one in the world. It was the store that saw the first massive lineups waiting for the chance to buy an iPhone. It was Steve’s brainchild, a plan that would upend the entire concept of retail success.

I love this store. It’s my go-to store, and continues to be massively busy, even when the mall in which it lives is relatively empty (which is rare – it’s a very busy mall). It is a true cornerstone for the mall, a shopping destination for many.

Michael’s article is a good read, with lots of useful links. I would add a few clarifying points.

First, the existing Apple Store is in a mall called Tysons Corner Center, an extremely large, almost always busy, indoor mall. It is on the second floor of the mall, with massive glass doors that allow entry from the mall, into a relatively large rectangular space. No trees, no staircases, just a big retail rectangle dotted with typical Apple Store fixtures and furniture.

It carries none of the architectural details of the later Apple Store evolutions, but it is what it is. The space is boxed in by other retail stores and there are no real options to expand or upgrade the space in any significant way.

The second location referred to in the article is in a nearby mall called Tysons Galleria (to us locals, it’s called Tysons II). Tysons Corner Center is a mall for the people, with typical chain shops, affordable (at least for the region). Tysons II is notably upscale, with high end jewelers, boutique clothiers and pricy kitchen shops. Tysons Corner Center has massive amounts of parking, well managed, and Tysons II has limited parking, with lots of driving around looking for a space.

There is a metro stop between the two malls. Notably, the metro stop has a pedestrian bridge designed for access to Tysons Corner Center (the one with the existing Apple Store), and no trivial way to get to Tysons II (short of walking along busy roads, dodging traffic).

Lots to process here. I would love to see another Apple Store open in the area. I would hate to see the historic first Apple Store close in favor of a new location that is in a high end boutique center, with relatively little foot traffic, that is harder to get to, and far less pedestrian/parking friendly.

As far as I can tell, no formal announcements have been made. Clearly, the retail pieces are moving, rare anchor space being opened up. So it does seem likely that something will happen here. Following with bated breath.