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Steve Jobs' childhood home designated 'historical resource'

The modest single-story house in Silicon Valley is designated a protected historical site due to its association with the late Apple co-founder.

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Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' early house, where some of Apple's first computers were made.
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' childhood home, where some of Apple's first computers were made. Google

The rather modest three-bedroom house where Apple was born has officially been designated a protected historical site.

After a nearly two-year-long review, the Los Altos Historical Commission voted unanimously Monday night to designate 2066 Crist Drive -- the house where Steve Jobs grew up -- a "historic resource" due to its association with the late Apple co-founder, according to the Palo Alto Daily News. Built in 1952, the single-story ranch-style house -- especially its garage -- is where Jobs and fellow co-founder Steve Wozniak assembled the first 50 Apple I computers in 1976, according to a report prepared by the commission last month (PDF).

Serving as Apple's official headquarters before the company moved to a rented office space in Cupertino, Calif., the property is where Jobs courted early investors and served as the site of incorporation of the company among Jobs, Wozniak, and Ron Wayne. The location was also used in the filming of "Jobs," the film about Apple's early beginnings, which was released earlier this year with Ashton Kutcher in the title role.

"These significant events took place at the subject property," Commissioner Sapna Marfatia wrote in her evaluation for the commission. "Steve Jobs is considered a genius who blended technology and creativity to invent and market a product which dramatically changed many industries. His influence is expected to be felt by multiple generations forthcoming."

The protected status adds another level of city review of any alterations or renovations proposed for the property. It also brings tax benefits for building owners, who also stand to pay less in permit and construction fees for any upkeep. The current owner of the property is Patricia Jobs, Steve Jobs' sister.