Apple’s shiny new headquarters — which look part amazing office space, part futuristic Apple store — has been in the planning for years. Now, Apple’s received final approval from the City of Cupertino to get started. This building is going to be very real.
A unanimous vote back in October has finally given rise to official approval now. That means that Cupertino City Council will allow Apple to enter into an official Development Agreement, and Cook & Co will finally receive a full set of building permits on November 20. Cupertino Mayor Orrin Mahoney enthusiastically explained:
“Go for it. We’re eager to see it happen. Go for it.”
As part of the final agreement, Apple will up the amount of tax that it pays to the City of Cupertino. That will come in the form of the reduction of the sales tax rebate that the company receives each year from the city. If you’ve forgotten what the building promises:
The campus revolves around a massive circular building of nearly three million square feet. Designed by British architect Norman Foster, the space is designed to promote collaboration, but connecting interior and exterior spaces through a long, continuous corridor. A separate cluster of buildings set off from the main building will house research and development, and there’s also a massive underground auditorium that will be home to product launches and major events. Oh, and don’t forget about the cafeteria; it’s 90,000 square feet (8361sqm).
All that is now signed, sealed and soon to be delivered. Indeed, Apple plans to finish the first phase of construction by 2016. [Mac Rumours]