Nestled on Santa Monica’s vibrant Third Street Promenade, the Apple Third Street Promenade store stands as a beacon of tranquility amidst the lively atmosphere. Despite the competing attractions of the bustling esplanade, from the alluring scents of perfume shops to the savory aroma of pretzel stands, and the dazzling displays of street performers, Apple’s architectural prowess immediately captures attention, inviting visitors into a serene space.
Apple has mastered the art of crafting buildings that are both architecturally significant and aesthetically captivating. The Apple Third Street Promenade location exemplifies this, offering a temple-like serenity that provides a welcome escape from the energetic ambiance outside. It’s a space designed to draw you in, regardless of whether you’re in the market for new technology.
Apple Third Street Promenade's impressive glass storefront invites visitors into a tranquil retail experience.
The store’s design language resonates deeply with the Californian landscape, where glass-centric architecture symbolizes status and success. Apple, as a global icon and a brand synonymous with innovation, embodies these very qualities, making the store a fitting representation of its brand ethos within this iconic setting.
Stepping inside Apple Third Street Promenade is akin to entering a sanctuary. The external sounds of excited chatter and street noise soften into a gentle, echo-like hum, reminiscent of a temple’s peaceful ambiance. This sense of calm is reinforced by the store’s renowned glass facade, which creates a visual and auditory barrier from the outside world. Inside, the design elements – carefully arranged potted plants, understated grey brick walls, expansive wooden tables, and subtly dimmed lighting – collectively contribute to an atmosphere of profound tranquility, encouraging browsing and contemplation.
Navigating to Apple Third Street Promenade: Parking and Access
Los Angeles, celebrated for its consistently pleasant weather, celebrity sightings, and sun-drenched beaches, is, however, notoriously known for its challenging public transportation. Reaching Apple Third Street Promenade is most conveniently achieved by car.
Street parking is best avoided due to the perplexing array of signs detailing parking restrictions, times, and fees, which can bewilder even seasoned travelers. For a hassle-free visit, Parking Structure 6, located at 1431 2nd Street, is the recommended option. Ascend to the higher levels of the parking structure and take a moment on the stairs to enjoy panoramic views of sunsets, swaying palm trees, the vast ocean, and the distant Malibu hills.
Scenic view of palm trees and the ocean from Parking Structure 6, the recommended parking for Apple Third Street Promenade.
For those seeking a caffeine boost before their Apple experience, Espresso Cielo, an artisan coffee shop, is conveniently situated adjacent to Parking Structure 6. It provides a perfect stop for a quality espresso, especially for visitors who appreciate authentic coffee.
From the parking structure, a pleasant quarter-mile walk along the Third Street Promenade leads directly to the Apple Third Street Promenade store. This short, four-minute stroll is a delightful experience in itself, lined with iconic palm trees and the vibrant energy of the promenade.
The Evolving Retail Landscape and Apple’s Design Foresight
The retail environment, particularly on Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, has undergone significant shifts, especially in recent years. Decreased foot traffic, partly due to factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and the broader trend of declining in-store shopping, has impacted the area.
It’s almost as if Apple Third Street Promenade‘s minimalist design inadvertently foreshadowed the quieter retail landscape that emerged post-pandemic. Prior to 2020, the store would often be bustling with customers, with merchandise displays actively explored by numerous shoppers.
However, the current reality on Third Street Promenade sees once-thriving businesses facing closures as online retail giants like Amazon flourish. The promenade now features vacant storefronts marked with ‘for lease’ signs, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by brick-and-mortar retail in the modern era.
While Apple aimed for a peaceful in-store atmosphere, the current quietude on many outdoor malls in Southern California raises questions about the future of physical retail spaces and shopping malls, prompting consumers to consider if these once-vibrant hubs might become relics of the past.
History, Design, and Architectural Details of Apple Third Street Promenade
Originally named the Santa Monica Mall in 1965, the pedestrian-friendly shopping area was revitalized and rebranded as the Third Street Promenade in 1989. Its proximity to the ocean and its open-air design capitalize on Southern California’s consistently warm and sunny climate, making it a quintessential Californian outdoor pedestrian mall.
The impressive 17,550-square-foot space that Apple Third Street Promenade now occupies was once a tri-level Borders bookstore.
Historical image of the building that now houses Apple Third Street Promenade when it was a Borders bookstore, highlighting its transformation.
In 2012, a comprehensive reconstruction transformed the building into the sleek, contemporary Apple store we see today, completely erasing any traces of its bookstore past. With a substantial investment of $5,700 per square foot, this Apple Third Street Promenade location rivals the premium retail properties found on Beverly Hills’ famed Rodeo Drive, underscoring its status as a prime retail destination.
Upon the opening of Apple Third Street Promenade, the smaller, previously existing Apple store nearby was closed, consolidating Apple’s presence in this key Santa Monica location.
Like many flagship Apple stores characterized by their robust glass facades, the Apple Third Street Promenade effectively minimizes the noise from the outside environment as soon as you step through its heavy doors. Much like immersing oneself in a captivating book, the store’s design is intended to create a sense of detachment from the external world, encouraging visitors to focus solely on the Apple experience within – browsing, exploring, and ultimately, purchasing.
The store’s architecture is defined by a rectangular, single-story minimalist layout, featuring grey brick walls that ascend to a striking crisscross metal beam ceiling. The ceiling itself is constructed of glass, incorporating built-in sun shades to manage the intense California sunlight. This design allows the warm hues of the California sunset to permeate the store, creating a visually stunning experience, particularly during the “golden hour.”
Interior view of Apple Third Street Promenade showcasing its natural light, foliage, and calming design elements.
Preceding the design of Apple London Brompton Road, Apple Third Street Promenade incorporates potted trees, lush foliage, and natural materials throughout its interior, fostering a sense of organic tranquility. Ferns subtly illuminated by spotlights are integrated into the walls, further enhancing the store’s calming ambiance.
Towards the rear of the store, wooden cube seating is provided for customers awaiting assistance from Apple Geniuses, along with a large display screen. This screen silently showcases information on the latest Apple products, instructional content, and schedules for Apple learning workshops, maintaining the store’s peaceful atmosphere while still conveying important information.
Apple Third Street Promenade's muted television display and comfortable seating area designed to maintain a tranquil customer experience.
Consistent with many Apple stores, a dedicated Pickup area is situated in a corner, featuring a long wooden counter for customers collecting online orders. Ample seating is available in this area, ensuring a comfortable wait for those picking up purchases.
Apple’s Los Angeles Presence
California leads the United States with the highest number of Apple retail locations, boasting 54 stores. Los Angeles County alone is home to fifteen Apple stores. However, only a select few, like Apple Third Street Promenade, embrace this earthy, temple-like design aesthetic, contrasting with the more sterile, brightly lit environments of some smaller Apple stores typically found within enclosed shopping malls.
Among other notable Apple stores in Los Angeles is The Grove location, also situated in an outdoor shopping area. The Grove offers a different ambiance, characterized by a more overtly luxurious and performative atmosphere, complete with valet parking, decorative fountains, string lights, and the classic sounds of Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday playing throughout the shopping center.
