After three years of bureaucratic difficulties it looks as if Koolhaas’s design for Prada in San Francisco has been definitively shelved. The San Francisco Chronicle newspaper has reported as such, indicating that the building in Union Square is already up for sale.

Placed under strong criticism from the people of the city – who had nicknamed the new building a “ten storey grater” – the project has been judged to be too ambitious and expensive. In 1966 Prada bought the premises with the intention of opening a store and only in 2000 was the idea brought up of knocking the building down and constructing a new one designed by the Dutch practice.

The events of 11 September then placed under discussion aims to expand the Italian brand who have recently acquired US names Jil Sander and Helmut Lang, finding themselves with substantial debts (there is talk of 840 million dollars) and reduced profits.Related articles:
San Francisco, slow progress for Prada shop (News, 28.11.2001)