Demolition request denied

Apple CEO Steve Jobs was to demolish a 17,000 square-foot mansion in Woodside, California that preservationists are calling a historical treasure. "The Jackling House" was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style for Utah Copper Company's magnate Daniel Jackling, and was purchased by Jobs in 1984. The CEO hasn't occupied the home for over 10 years, but said he wants to tear down the mansion to build a new, smaller dwelling for his family. Steve Jobs currently resides in Palo Alto, and his attorney, Howard Ellman, said he will likely appeal the judge's decision.

Preservationists cried out when they caught wind of Jobs plans to demolish the home, saying that the house should be protected. A group called "Uphold Our Heritage" even sued the city to stop the demolition.

Woodside officials said they were torn about the decision, but couldn't force Jobs to fix the vandalized home which had developed dry rot, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Before the demolition could proceed, officials forced the executive to put the home on the open market for anyone who could afford the approximate $7.5 million sum required for renovation costs. Despite nearly 100 inquiries resulting from TV and newspaper articles, however, no deal was signed for the dwelling.

by MacNN Staff