Apple plans flagship store in Back Bay

(Correction: Because of a reporting error, a story in Friday's Business section on an Apple store opening in Boston incorrectly stated Apple Computer Inc.'s sales. Last month, the company reported that sales for its first quarter reached $1 billion at Apple-owned stores.)

Apple Computer Inc. plans to open a four-story flagship store on Boylston Street across from the Prudential Center in what would be its first location in Boston, said a local official yesterday who has direct knowledge of the deal.

Apple is purchasing the building, which currently houses Copy Cop, and is planning to take it down and erect a glass-covered retail ''jewel" within the next two years, according to the official, who asked for anonymity because the project is not yet public.

''It will literally glisten in the Back Bay," the official said.

Susan Elsbree, a spokeswoman for the Boston Redevelopment Authority, would not provide details on Apple's plans but said: ''We're excited that Apple is looking to Boston to open a store. Apple represents innovation, technology, and cutting-edge design -- all of which we think match the Boston brand."

Elsbree and the local official said it's a prime location for Apple and will attract thousands of young people the heart of a premier shopping district, the Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, and nearby hotels.

Apple spokeswoman Monica Wik declined to comment.

Last month, the maker of the popular iPod reported its sales reached $1 billion for the first time at its retail stores, up from $561 million a year ago. The company said it planned to open 40 stores in 2006, in addition to the 135 locations it currently runs. In Massachusetts, Apple operates stores in Braintree, Burlington, Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, and Peabody.

The local official said Apple will bring in the highest level of design and its modern approach is not unprecedented in the area. That section of the Back Bay is a historic district, which could complicate site plans.

''We think this can enhance the historic district," the official said.

The addition of an Apple store to Boylston Street would further bolster the area as a coveted shopping destination. Boylston is undergoing a retail makeover with the renovation of Lord & Taylor, the addition of cheap chic Swedish retailer H&M, and the construction of the Mandarin Oriental, a five-star hotel that will also house high-end boutiques.

Some Back Bay residents and neighborhood leaders said they welcome an Apple store but said it is difficult to comment without seeing any specific plans for the project.

''It's very unusual to have something torn down in the Back Bay," said Elliott Laffer, a longtime neighborhood activist. ''But Copy Cop is not the most distinguished of buildings. How the neighborhood would react would depend on what's proposed."

At the Back Bay Association, a group of neighborhood businesses, president Meg Mainzer-Cohen said: ''We would welcome them and help them with the community process. I think it would be phenomenal to have an Apple store in the Back Bay."

''A new Apple store is very exciting," said Jacquelin Yessian, vice chairwoman of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay. ''And we know that any changes they propose for the exterior of the building including demolition will go through the proper review channels, including the Back Bay Architectural Commission."

Jenn Abelson can be reached at abelson@globe.com.