Remember that plot on 34th Street where Apple (AAPL) was all set to build one of its marvelous stores—that is, until CEO Steve Jobs famously (and outrageously) visited the site in person and declared the block between Fifth and Sixth avenues unworthy of his corporate presence?
Well, now Esprit is in talks with Apple to take over its lease at 21-25 West 34th Street, according to a source familiar with the ongoing negotiations.
Karen Bellantoni, of Robert K. Futterman, which represents Apple, did not respond to requests for comment. Nor would Esprit and the site’s co-owners, developer Jeff Sutton and SL Green, comment.
But it would certainly behoove Apple, part of whose lease began in 2006, to unload the space. The iPod maker reportedly pays a recession-unfriendly $5,906,692 in yearly rent. A three-story, 18,000-square-foot store could be built on the site. At present, Esprit has four outlets in New York City.
drubinstein@observer.com
