July 10 (Bloomberg) -- Steve Jobs, Apple Inc.’s co-founder, proposed to relocate “components” of his historic mansion in Woodside, California, to fend off preservationists who oppose his plan to tear it down and build a modern home.

Howard Ellman, a lawyer for Jobs, and Jean Savoree, an attorney for Woodside, today told state court Judge Marie Weiner in Redwood City, California, that the Apple chief executive officer is in negotiations with investor Gordon Smythe to remove historic pieces of the mansion and find a site to reassemble some of the home.

Jobs has lost bids to destroy the mansion because courts have agreed with preservation group Uphold our Heritage that Jobs failed to adequately explain the benefits of the demolition and prove he has researched alternatives. Weiner asked Ellman if an order was required to prevent any demolition until the new plan is resolved by the court and the town council of Woodside.

“The town has told us not to tear it down, and Mr. Jobs has no interest in violating the law,” Ellman said.

The Spanish Colonial Revival-style mansion is named the Jackling House after its original owner, copper magnate Daniel C. Jackling. Built about 1925, the house’s architect was George Washington Smith, who was famed for Andalusian-inspired homes he designed in Montecito, near Santa Barbara. The two-story stucco home has exposed-beam ceilings, built-in cabinets, ornate ironwork, including balconies and railings, and a pipe organ.

‘Historic Components’

Smythe, the investor, is negotiating with Jobs to provide a “salvage demolition of the house and transfer of its historic components,” according to court documents. Smythe must make “a good faith effort to find a suitable site for restoration of the house.”

Amy Minteer, a lawyer at Uphold Our Heritage, said the group believes the revised plan still doesn’t meet state environmental requirements. The group is reviewing the plan, she said.

Ellman declined to comment after today’s hearing. Smythe didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment.

The case is Uphold Our Heritage v. Woodside, 444270, San Mateo County Superior Court (Redwood City, California).

To contact the reporter on this story: Joel Rosenblatt in San Francisco at jrosenblatt@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: July 10, 2009 18:23 EDT