Apple\'s Jobs tweaks his $9M glass cube

Apple Computer chief executive Steve Jobs is reported to have been unhappy with some of the materials used to construct his $9 million glass cube outside the future home of one of the company's flagship retail stores in Midtown Manhattan.

As a result, changes are already being made to the structure, which remains shrouded by large black panels as it awaits a formal unveiling alongside the 20,000-square-foot location later this spring.

When workers began removing the black plywood panels from the cube last week, it looked as if construction was nearly complete. However, a report on ifoAppleStore explains the workers were instead swapping out sophisticated titanium hardware — positioned between the glass panels — because Jobs complained they were too conspicuous and interrupted the esthetic of the cube.

It's been reported that Jobs personally designed and paid for the 32-foot-by-32-foot hollow glass structure, which will mark the top floor entrance to the underground retail store at 767 Fifth Avenue between 58th and 59th streets. In fact, reports have also indicated that leasing arrangements for the store were finalized only after landlord Harry Macklowe promised the Apple CEO he could take his big $9 million cube with him at the end of the 20-year lease.

People who have interviewed for positions at the upcoming location say Apple is working to open the store and glass cube to the public by the end of May. The store may be unique in that — in the city that never sleeps — it could be the first retail location from Apple to operate 24-hours a day. Apple, however, has thus far declined to comment on the rumors.