Today is the grand opening of the new Apple Store at Scottsdale Fashion Square mall.
As ABC15 reported in January, the maker of the iPhone and iPad is opening a store in the former Barney's New York department store space on the southeast side of the mall facing Scottsdale Road.
Two signs featuring Apple's signature logo were illuminated while construction crews could be seen working into the night to prepare for the opening over the last few weeks.
"We've got something special for you. Our grand opening is September 29" was written in silver lettering on the south side of the building beneath Apple's logo. The rest of the building is covered by a white wall.
The store opened at 10 a.m., according to Apple's website.
Apple formally announced the opening on its website.
No confirmation in today's announcement. Looks like the wait continues. https://t.co/AYNlkhEb2p
— Josh Frigerio, ABC15 (@JoshFrigerio) September 12, 2018
According to building permits submitted to the City of Scottsdale, and reviewed by ABC15 in January, Apple filed plans to build a 15,000- to 17,000-square-foot split-level store.
Artist renderings (seen in the embedded tweet above) show a nearly all-glass front-facing facade, a signature of many Apple stores, as well as a slotted overhang.
The opening marks the sixth Apple Store in Arizona.
APPLE STORE AT BILTMORE FASHION PARK TO CLOSE?
9to5Mac, a website that follows Apple rumors and news, reported last week that the Apple Store at Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix would close when the store at Scottsdale Fashion Square opened.
In an email, David Hyatt, senior property manager for Biltmore Fashion Park, confirmed that the Apple Store there would close and reopen at Scottsdale Fashion Square.
"While we will certainly miss having Apple at Biltmore [Fashion Park], their closure offers up opportunity to reimagine the space with new brands and restaurants," he said.
An Apple spokesperson said the Biltmore store would remain open until the Fashion Square store opened.
Hyatt said in his email that he did not have any new store or restaurant announcements to make.
"An inspired move. Apple Scottsdale Fashion Square is about to open its doors. Join us for our grand opening on September 29 at 10:00 a.m."
Earlier this month, Apple unveiled the two iPhone models -- iPhone Xs and the iPhone Xs Max -- and an updated Apple Watch and mobile operating system.
A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR RENOVATION
Scottsdale Fashion Square is in the midst of a multi-million dollar renovation.
In the same wing as the Apple Store, Industrious plans to open a coworking spaces with offices, tables and conference rooms that companies can rent to use. It is expected to open January 2019.
On the other side of the mall, near Neiman Marcus, a "luxury wing" is under construction. A new entrance is being built with valet, two-story storefronts, restrooms and more space for restaurants and stores.
The owners behind Steak 44 plan to open Ocean 44, a seafood-focused concept, in November. Toca Madera, a California-based Mexican restaurant, plans to open in early 2019.
UNTUCKit, a clothing store, and Morphe Cosmetics have already opened. Hyde Park Jewelers, Trina Turke, and Swiss watch brands, Breitling, Hublot and IWC, all have been announced as opening stores at the mall.
Editor's note: This story was updated to add quotes from David Hyatt, senior property manager at Biltmore Fashion Park, on the closure of that Apple Store location. It was also updated to add info from Apple on when the Biltmore location would close.
