"What Apple inherited on the property was several older buildings, all of which were broken down and deconstructed," says KQED Science reporter Amy Standen, who got a tour of the site. "Much of the material from those old buildings was recycled into new building material to make the new campus, according to Apple."

Critics of the project say the building's design is too insular, and not well integrated into the community.

"Once the campus is open, Apple employees will have relatively little reason to leave the building," says Standen. "And some say, 'Why not put this in the middle of San Jose? '"

A more urban setting could be better connected to public transit and create opportunities for locals to interact with the company, say critics.

Apple says Cupertino is the company's home -- and they are building the building that fosters innovation.

When the building opens in 2016, nearby neighbors are hopeful they might get a tour at an open house. At the very least, Campus 2 will have a visitor's center and parking lot.

KQED Science will have more photos and details from the tour when our radio feature airs on Feb. 23.