The first glimpse of what many people are referring to as the mothership has been revealed. Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the drawings of the design himself for the company's new headquarters at Tuesday night's City Council meeting.
"We're the largest taxpayer in Cupertino, so we would like to continue to stay here and pay taxes," said Jobs.
The single four-story circular building would be constructed on 155 acres of land. Much of it is former HP property that Apple has been buying up over the last five years.
Cupertino's mayor, Gilbert Wong, says approval is almost guaranteed.
"There is no chance that we are saying no," said Wong. "As you know, Apple was founded here in 1976."
The city is quick to point out that the project will face an extensive environmental review process which begins immediately.
"That will start tomorrow, if not today, and that entire environmental process will take one year to complete," economic development manager Kelly Kline said.
The company hopes to break ground next year and for the building to be home to 12,000 Apple employees by 2015.
The man so synonymous with innovation hinted that this campus will be one of his tangible legacies.
"I think we do have a shot at building the best office building in the world," said Jobs. "I really do think our architecture students will come here to see this. I think it could be that good."
