Portland Apple store to close for remodeling

PORTLAND — Apple will close its showcase store in downtown Portland later this month for a major remodel and it will likely remain closed for at least several weeks.

The store closes March 24 so Apple can install a large video wall and other features to augment educational services the company hosts at its stores. Those include teaching skills for artistic and technical tools incorporated into the company’s computers, tablets and smartphones.

The website 9to5Mac first noted Apple’s closure plans. Cabel Sasser of Portland software developer Panic noted over the weekend that building permits associated with the project show Apple intends to add a video wall.

Apple declined to say how long the store will be closed. Similar remodels at other locations have been going on for about a year, though, and at those sites stores sometimes have been closed for two or three months.

Apple’s 23,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed store opened five years ago across from its former location in the basement of the Pioneer Place mall.

Apple said Monday it will direct customers to its smaller outlets at Bridgeport Village and the Washington Square Mall while the downtown store is closed. Apple said its Portland employees will continue working while the downtown store is closed but the company declined to say in what capacity they will work or whether they will be required to work at stores in other areas.