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Macy’s NYC flagship getting $400M makeover

In this undated artist rendering by studiorendering.com and provided by Macy�s shows the expected design for the women�s shoe department once renovations are completed. Macy�s New York flagship store is being transformed from old-fashioned, warm and fuzzy to a sleek, white 21st century style. The transformation will cost $400 million and is expected to take four years. (Studiorendering.com Via Macy
In this undated artist rendering by studiorendering.com and provided by Macy�s shows the expected design for the women�s shoe department once renovations are completed. Macy�s New York flagship store is being transformed from old-fashioned, warm and fuzzy to a sleek, white 21st century style. The transformation will cost $400 million and is expected to take four years. (Studiorendering.com Via Macy's)
Verena Dobnik Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — A $400 million makeover is giving New York’s iconic Macy’s store a sleek, new 21st century style.

And some preservationists aren’t happy about it. They see the overhaul of America’s biggest department store as scrapping classic Beaux Arts and Art Deco touches in favor of the latest trend in retail design — something like an Apple computer store.

Preservationist Theodore Grunewald says it’s about protecting the store’s cultural and architectural heritage.

But Macy’s officials say it is premature to compare the renovation to Apple. Work will not be completed until 2015. They also stress they will revive some of the building’s distinctive original features.

The flagship of Ohio-based Macy’s is best known for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and as the inspiration for the 1947 Christmas film, “Miracle on 34th Street.”