Apple Gets Final Approval For Store On San Francisco's Union Square
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – After plenty of concerns were raised and months of negotiations, Apple has received final approval to build a brand new store on Union Square.
Concerns had been raised about the design of the Apple Store, labor issues and a beloved fountain designed by local artist Ruth Asawa.
Apple tweaked the design for the project at the corner of Post and Stockton streets, that will replace the existing Levi's store, and brought back the Ruth Asawa fountain to win planning commission approval last month.
But it still needed a zoning concession from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor David Chiu said Apple responded to many of the community's concerns.
"There were a number of issues that were raised, first around the Ruth Asawa fountain, from the arts, education and Asian American community," Chiu said
Also at issue was Apple's non-union security guards. Chiu convened a meeting and although there is not a deal in place yet, fellow Supervisor Scott Wiener said he felt the air had cleared.
"This was heading to a very contentious space and I think a lot of us were very concerned that it would become a real fight," he said.
The Board of Supervisors unanimous vote paves the way for Apple to apply for permits and begin construction.