The United States is getting its first Nike ‘Word Of Flight’ store! Nike, a global leader in athletic footwear and apparel corporation, has chosen no other than Philadelphia for its flagship location.
World Of Flight Coming To USA
Sneaker fans delight. Nike’s first Michael Jordan-branded ‘World Of Flight’ store is heading to the United States. With stores already in Italy, Japan and Dubai, the proposed USA location will be the fourth worldwide.
According to official proposal documents submitted to the Philadelphia Historical Commission, Nike has chosen Philly as the location for its first US store.
What We Know So Far
Specifically, they’ve chosen a 2-story building built in 1921 at 1617 Walnut St. According to the documents, the design concept for Jordan’s World of Flight Philadelphia is inspired by the intersection of Philadelphia Historical Architecture and Jordan Brand.
Indeed, there’s plenty of room for creative design. With 7,000 square feet and currently vacant, it is certainly a desirable location.
Designers have vowed to keep a lot of historical characteristics of the building. However, adding in architectural style through “details such as the column details, the use of venetian plaster, and the wall paneling.”
“We feel that through these improvements and changes, Philadelphia’s Jordan The World of Flight will deliver a timeless, thoughtful designed store that can contribute to the neighborhood and character of the streetscape,” Michael Kouvaris of MBH Architects stated to the Philadelphia Historical Commission.
“The clean design language paired with the materiality and details used throughout achieves a look/feel that will convey a sense of history and permanence.”
Commission Pushes Back
The proposal has been submitted. However, the city commission is pushing back. Specially, the proposed second-floor alterations are not a slam dunk. MBH Architects wants to include an illuminated version of the famous Jordan logo in the central second-floor window about the entrance.
This is where the city commission is calling foul.
“I’m totally against the proposed changes on the second floor and the removal of the French doors and transom,” said Nan Gutterman, one of the members of the Architectural Committee told the Inquirer. “The proposed changes on the second floor are totally unfortunate and not in keeping with historic character.”
While the Historical Commission has approved the company’s plans for the first floor, the second floor plans have been sent back to the bench.
When Will ‘World Of Flight’ Open?
Currently, an official grand opening date for the Nike ‘World Of Flight’ store has yet to be revealed.
Design specifics are still being ironed out.
What we know for certain is Nike has chosen Philadelphia for the store’s location. Secondly, it has its sights on the vacant, historical building at 1617 Walnut St.
Undoubtedly, once it does open to the public, this is indeed another win for Philly and tourism.