CUPERTINO (KCBS) – Steve Jobs’ second public appearance this week did not involve a new Apple device. Instead, the ailing Apple CEO wowed the city council as he unveiled plans for a new campus in Cupertino.

Jobs said Tuesday that Apple had long ago outgrown its main campus on De Anza Boulevard. The huge, circular building the company hopes to build on 150 acres near Interstate 280 would create office and conference space for 12,000 employees.

“It’s a little bit like a space ship landed,” he said.

KCBS’ Matt Bigler Reports:

The 4-story building would have its own natural gas power plant and be surrounded by extensive landscaping that nearly doubles the 3,700 trees on the property.

“I really do think architecture students will come here to see this. I think it could be that good,” Jobs said.

About 2,600 Apple employees would continue to work in the existing facility on De Anza while the new building replaces various Apple offices scattered around the city.

The company hopes to break ground in 2012 on what had been the site of Hewlett Packard’s computer systems division at the corner of Pruneridge Avenue and Wolfe Road.

If Cupertino gives the green light, Jobs said the new Apple campus could open in 2015.

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