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Apple's flagship San Francisco store to save landmark fountain

Putting an end to a small controversy over a 1970s "folk art" fountain near Union Square, revised build plans for Apple's new San Francisco retail outlet specifically show that the water feature will remain, to be nestled in a flight of steps leading up to the store's rear entrance.

Apple presented the new plans to San Francisco city officials on Monday, with Mayor Ed Lee said to be "happy" that the company was able to work with city planners to keep the fountain almost exactly where it stands today, reports The San Francisco Chronicle. The installation will be moved slightly, though the change is not thought to be noticeable.

Lee was initially impressed with Apple's initial proposal in May, but was forced to reconsider after a Chronicle article by design critic John King caused a minor controversy over the fountain's disappearance in plans submitted by architect Foster + Partners.

AppleInsider reported in May that Apple's then-current plans didn't specifically call for the fountain's removal and that the store itself would not have reached the fountain.

Apple announced plans to take over a lot across from Union Square at the corner of Stockton and Post street, a space previously occupied by Levi's. The new flagship is actually a relocation of the current Stockton and Ellis outlet and will be 45 percent larger than that store when completed.