Apple lands a second “spaceship” in Silicon Valley

In a massive deal for Silicon Valley’s real estate, Apple has landed a second “spaceship” – this time in Sunnyvale, Calif. The company has sealed an agreement for Landbank Investments LLC’s planned Central & Wolfe campus, a curvy, 777,000-square-foot, 6-story campus that will be located at Central Expressway and Wolfe Road.

The project is expected to look nothing like that which has ever been created in Silicon Valley. While Sunnyvale is dominated by single-story industrial and R&D buildings, Apple’s new campus promises to alter the area.

“It looks pretty cool — definitely like an innovative building,” said Robert LaBouff, co-founder of Off the Stick Kabob Grill at 927 E. Arques Ave., across the street from the planned development.

Designed by architecture firm HOK and developed by Landbank Investments, the campus will be located just five miles south of Apple’s first “spaceship” on an existing 18 acre (7 hectare) 1970s era business park.

The approved design will consist of three six-story interconnected buildings, each wrapped in glazing, and parking will be hidden underground. Due to Apple’s tremendous expansion, the campus will have enough room for more than 3,000 workers.

Amenities for the campus include expansive jogging and walking trails, bike paths, a cafeteria, fitness center, barbershop, bicycle repair shop, health and wellness center, sports courts, and outdoor amphitheater.

The current project at Central and Wolfe plans for LEED Platinum (a green building standard) certification, sustainable features including expansive green roofs, reclaimed water for landscaping irrigation, and possibly solar power.

While the design is still in its early stage, Apple may decide to alter, improve, or redesign certain areas of the campus. Stay tuned for further information.

Via Gizmag and Bizjournal