Apple’s Jony Ive Helps Restore 1903 Carnegie Library Building into Newest Store

Apple has shared images of its latest retail store set to open in Washington, D.C., and it looks nothing short of spectacular.

Apple Carnegie Library on Mount Vernon Square will open this Saturday, May 11th, and is the company’s “most extensive historic restoration project to date, restoring and revitalizing the Beaux-Arts style building once home to Washington, D.C.’s Central Public Library.”

The building was first opened in 1903, funded by American steel tycoon and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, to create an open public and free space for everyone.

“Whether customers come to explore new products, visit one of our Geniuses or unlock their creativity in a Today at Apple session, Apple Carnegie Library is a place for everyone,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People, in a press release. “We are excited to share this magnificent space with all of our visitors in Washington, D.C., and to provide a home for inspiration for the next generation.”

Apple says it “worked with conservation experts to carefully preserve the historic facades, return interior spaces to their original footprints, and restore distinctive early 20th-century detailing.”

Apple Chief Design Officer, Jony Ive, worked with Foster + Partners “to give this cultural icon a new lease of life.”

“I love the synergy between old and new, the juxtaposition of the historic fabric and contemporary design,” said Ive. “In its ‘new’ phase of life, Apple Carnegie Library will be a way for us to share our ideas and excitement about the products we create, while giving people a sense of community and encouraging and nurturing creativity. It has been a significant honour to restore the Carnegie Library for the people of Washington, D.C.”



Apple restored the building’s Vermont marble facade and sculptures, while worked close in hand with conservation experts to bring the old building back to its original form. It’s an impressive feat for Apple’s newest retail store.

The building also includes a new DC History Center, along with the Kiplinger Research Library, three galleries and a museum store.

The new store opens at 10 am on Saturday and will be home to various Today at Apple Sessions.