Kevin V. Nguyen

The struggling San Francisco Centre in downtown San Francisco has unveiled the first steps for a planned turnaround: a rebrand into a century-old business.

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The struggling San Francisco Centre in downtown San Francisco has unveiled the first steps for a planned turnaround: a rebrand into a century-old business.

The mall will now be known as &#8220;Emporium Centre San Francisco&#8221;—a nod to the building&#8217;s previous life as the Emporium, a department store chain that operated its flagship location on Market Street between 1896 to 1996.

The mall will now be known as "Emporium Centre San Francisco"—a nod to the building's previous life as the Emporium, a department store chain that operated its flagship location on Market Street between 1896 to 1996.

The mall will now be known as &#8220;Emporium Centre San Francisco&#8221;—a nod to the building&#8217;s previous life as the Emporium, a department store chain that operated its flagship location on Market Street between 1896 to 1996.

The same week that Macy&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/27/san-francisco-macys-closing/">dealt a devastating blow</a> to Union Square with the announcement that the flagship store is slated for closure, the new managers of the former Westfield mall a few blocks away are outlining their strategy to revive the floundering property.

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The same week that Macy's <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/27/san-francisco-macys-closing/">dealt a devastating blow</a> to Union Square with the announcement that the flagship store is slated for closure, the new managers of the former Westfield mall a few blocks away are outlining their strategy to revive the floundering property.

The same week that Macy&#8217;s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/27/san-francisco-macys-closing/">dealt a devastating blow</a> to Union Square with the announcement that the flagship store is slated for closure, the new managers of the former Westfield mall a few blocks away are outlining their strategy to revive the floundering property.

New signage, logos and an updated website and social media channels will roll out in the coming weeks, the mall&#8217;s new owners said.

New signage, logos and an updated website and social media channels will roll out in the coming weeks, the mall's new owners said.

New signage, logos and an updated website and social media channels will roll out in the coming weeks, the mall&#8217;s new owners said.

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The Emporium property, known for its skylit central domed rotunda, was transformed into an addition for the Westfield mall and is currently mainly occupied by Bloomingdale&#8217;s, which occupies five floors.

The Emporium property, known for its skylit central domed rotunda, was transformed into an addition for the Westfield mall and is currently mainly occupied by Bloomingdale's, which occupies five floors.

The Emporium property, known for its skylit central domed rotunda, was transformed into an addition for the Westfield mall and is currently mainly occupied by Bloomingdale&#8217;s, which occupies five floors.

Last October, a San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/downtown-san-francisco-centre-receiver/">judge appointed Trident Pacific</a> to operate the property after the former owners stopped making loan payments on the mall and ceded it to lenders. Real estate firm JLL was brought on as the mall&#8217;s property manager and leasing agent.

New development could lead to sale of struggling downtown San Francisco mall

Last October, a San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/downtown-san-francisco-centre-receiver/">judge appointed Trident Pacific</a> to operate the property after the former owners stopped making loan payments on the mall and ceded it to lenders. Real estate firm JLL was brought on as the mall's property manager and leasing agent.

Last October, a San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/downtown-san-francisco-centre-receiver/">judge appointed Trident Pacific</a> to operate the property after the former owners stopped making loan payments on the mall and ceded it to lenders. Real estate firm JLL was brought on as the mall&#8217;s property manager and leasing agent.

The new operators said they have a multipronged strategy for the mall&#8217;s comeback that includes working with existing retailers and restaurants to keep them at the property, helping to bring in new entertainment and culinary tenants, continuing to improve security and working with the city and local groups on improvements to the surrounding neighborhood.

The new operators said they have a multipronged strategy for the mall's comeback that includes working with existing retailers and restaurants to keep them at the property, helping to bring in new entertainment and culinary tenants, continuing to improve security and working with the city and local groups on improvements to the surrounding neighborhood.

The new operators said they have a multipronged strategy for the mall&#8217;s comeback that includes working with existing retailers and restaurants to keep them at the property, helping to bring in new entertainment and culinary tenants, continuing to improve security and working with the city and local groups on improvements to the surrounding neighborhood.

“During the Centre’s 128-year history, it has evolved with the times to sustain and reinvent itself as a community gathering place,&#8221; Gregg Williams, principal receiver of Trident Pacific, said in a statement. &#8220;We’re committed to working with our existing retailers and restaurants, the City, and the community to ensure that this historic location has a new foundation to succeed.”

“During the Centre’s 128-year history, it has evolved with the times to sustain and reinvent itself as a community gathering place," Gregg Williams, principal receiver of Trident Pacific, said in a statement. "We’re committed to working with our existing retailers and restaurants, the City, and the community to ensure that this historic location has a new foundation to succeed.”

“During the Centre’s 128-year history, it has evolved with the times to sustain and reinvent itself as a community gathering place,&#8221; Gregg Williams, principal receiver of Trident Pacific, said in a statement. &#8220;We’re committed to working with our existing retailers and restaurants, the City, and the community to ensure that this historic location has a new foundation to succeed.”

Other ideas include bringing in medical, education or tech tenants, adding fitness and recreation opportunities, and programming arts and cultural events.

Other ideas include bringing in medical, education or tech tenants, adding fitness and recreation opportunities, and programming arts and cultural events.

“The success of Downtown depends on diversification, and the success of the Centre does, too,&#8221; Sarah Dennis Phillips, the executive director of San Francisco&#8217;s Office of Economic and Workforce Development, said in a statement.

“The success of Downtown depends on diversification, and the success of the Centre does, too," Sarah Dennis Phillips, the executive director of San Francisco's Office of Economic and Workforce Development, said in a statement.

“The success of Downtown depends on diversification, and the success of the Centre does, too,&#8221; Sarah Dennis Phillips, the executive director of San Francisco&#8217;s Office of Economic and Workforce Development, said in a statement.

&#8220;Even as we envision grand ideas for the long-term future of the Centre, it presents a very real near-term opportunity to add life, energy and interest to the Union Square and Yerba Buena districts, by tapping into the local communities that surround it.&#8221;

"Even as we envision grand ideas for the long-term future of the Centre, it presents a very real near-term opportunity to add life, energy and interest to the Union Square and Yerba Buena districts, by tapping into the local communities that surround it."

&#8220;Even as we envision grand ideas for the long-term future of the Centre, it presents a very real near-term opportunity to add life, energy and interest to the Union Square and Yerba Buena districts, by tapping into the local communities that surround it.&#8221;

Mostly vacant downtown San Francisco mall gets a retro rebrand

Jillian D’Onfro

The city&#8217;s hotel industry has had a brutal year.&nbsp;

The city's hotel industry has had a brutal year.&nbsp;

The city&#8217;s hotel industry has had a brutal year.&nbsp;

That was the resounding takeaway of San Francisco Travel’s annual Visitor Impact Summit, which gathered several hundred hospitality leaders Tuesday into a conference room downtown.

That was the resounding takeaway of San Francisco Travel’s annual Visitor Impact Summit, which gathered several hundred hospitality leaders Tuesday into a conference room downtown.

“We&#8217;ve had a very tough, challenging year — it&#8217;s been ruthless,” Alex Bastian, president and CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco, said onstage at the event.  

“We've had a very tough, challenging year — it's been ruthless,” Alex Bastian, president and CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco, said onstage at the event.

“We&#8217;ve had a very tough, challenging year — it&#8217;s been ruthless,” Alex Bastian, president and CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco, said onstage at the event.

The number of conferences in the city declined, as did domestic tourism. Instead of traveling within the U.S., people are jetting off on vacations abroad, SF Travel found, while the number of high-spending international tourists largely hasn&#8217;t returned to 2019 levels. Meanwhile, several speakers noted that the perception of San Francisco’s safety issues has tarnished the city&#8217;s reputation since the pandemic.

The number of conferences in the city declined, as did domestic tourism. Instead of traveling within the U.S., people are jetting off on vacations abroad, SF Travel found, while the number of high-spending international tourists largely hasn't returned to 2019 levels. Meanwhile, several speakers noted that the perception of San Francisco’s safety issues has tarnished the city's reputation since the pandemic.

The number of conferences in the city declined, as did domestic tourism. Instead of traveling within the U.S., people are jetting off on vacations abroad, SF Travel found, while the number of high-spending international tourists largely hasn&#8217;t returned to 2019 levels. Meanwhile, several speakers noted that the perception of San Francisco’s safety issues has tarnished the city&#8217;s reputation since the pandemic.

Hotel employees stand behind a counter in the Westin Saint Francis Hotel in Union Square on Friday July 19, 2024. Hotel employees in San Francisco are feeling frustrated due to the recent staffing reductions and the pressure to maintain high standards.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717-hospitalitylaborunrest-photo-tv0643.jpg?w=2500" alt="A lobby scene features a woman with a suitcase in the foreground and two receptionists behind a counter. Decor includes pink cherry blossoms and vibrant orchid flowers." class="wp-image-293303"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The city is expected to see declines in hotel occupancy, average daily rate, and revenue per available room in 2024, according to SF Travel.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240717-hospitalitylaborunrest-photo-tv0643.jpg?w=2500" alt="A lobby scene features a woman with a suitcase in the foreground and two receptionists behind a counter. Decor includes pink cherry blossoms and vibrant orchid flowers." class="wp-image-293303"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The city is expected to see declines in hotel occupancy, average daily rate, and revenue per available room in 2024, according to SF Travel.</figcaption></figure>

These factors have culminated in a tough year for hotels, with declines in occupancies, average daily rates, and revenue per available room. Even SF Travel&#8217;s modest growth estimates failed to come to fruition, said Brett Allor, the organization&#8217;s VP of market research.

These factors have culminated in a tough year for hotels, with declines in occupancies, average daily rates, and revenue per available room. Even SF Travel's modest growth estimates failed to come to fruition, said Brett Allor, the organization's VP of market research.

These factors have culminated in a tough year for hotels, with declines in occupancies, average daily rates, and revenue per available room. Even SF Travel&#8217;s modest growth estimates failed to come to fruition, said Brett Allor, the organization&#8217;s VP of market research.

“We missed that forecast a little bit,” Allor said, to the grim laughter of attendees while a slide of the hotel industry’s declines showed above him.

“We missed that forecast a little bit,” Allor said, to the grim laughter of attendees while a slide of the hotel industry’s declines showed above him.

Gallows humor aside, the outlook seems to be improving, according to the organization. This year, 23.22 million visitors are projected to inject $9.24 billion into the city’s economy; 2025 should see an increase to 23.9 million visitors and $10 billion in spending.

Gallows humor aside, the outlook seems to be improving, according to the organization. This year, 23.22 million visitors are projected to inject $9.24 billion into the city’s economy; 2025 should see an increase to 23.9 million visitors and $10 billion in spending.

That’s reason for optimism, said SF Travel President Anna Marie Presutti.

That’s reason for optimism, said SF Travel President Anna Marie Presutti.

“Some of it is good news, some of it I wish was better news, but we didn’t hear bad news, thank God,” Presutti told The Standard of the data and forecasts presented at the conference. “We’re getting out of this: 2024 was a struggle, but the future looks much better.”

“Some of it is good news, some of it I wish was better news, but we didn’t hear bad news, thank God,” Presutti told The Standard of the data and forecasts presented at the conference. “We’re getting out of this: 2024 was a struggle, but the future looks much better.”

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One of the starkest issues the city has faced this year is a drop in corporate events: The Moscone Convention Center will host just 25 in 2024, versus 34 in 2023. That has led to a decrease in hotel bookings: Conferences have accounted for 413,000 nights in hotel rooms this year, down from 618,962 last year.

One of the starkest issues the city has faced this year is a drop in corporate events: The Moscone Convention Center will host just 25 in 2024, versus 34 in 2023. That has led to a decrease in hotel bookings: Conferences have accounted for 413,000 nights in hotel rooms this year, down from 618,962 last year.

While the industry received welcome reassurance last week when <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/18/dreamforce-remaining-downtown-sf-breed/">Salesforce committed</a> to hosting <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/17/marc-benioff-jensen-huang-dreamforce/">its Dreamforce extravaganza</a> for the next three years, the overall outlook for corporate events in 2025 isn’t great. The conference rotation will improve next year but won’t reach 2023 levels: The Moscone Center is set to host 29 events next year, accounting for more than 590,000 hotel-room nights.

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While the industry received welcome reassurance last week when <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/18/dreamforce-remaining-downtown-sf-breed/">Salesforce committed</a> to hosting <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/17/marc-benioff-jensen-huang-dreamforce/">its Dreamforce extravaganza</a> for the next three years, the overall outlook for corporate events in 2025 isn’t great. The conference rotation will improve next year but won’t reach 2023 levels: The Moscone Center is set to host 29 events next year, accounting for more than 590,000 hotel-room nights.

Presutti — who officially took the SF Travel helm this week after leading <a href="https://www.meetingstoday.com/articles/144567/san-francisco-travel-CEO-Beck-resigns">in an interim role</a> for several months <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/09/san-francisco-recovery-depends-on-its-hotels/">while managing Hotel Nikko</a> — plans to go into sales mode to convince more companies to bring their events back to San Francisco.

Presutti — who officially took the SF Travel helm this week after leading <a href="https://www.meetingstoday.com/articles/144567/san-francisco-travel-CEO-Beck-resigns">in an interim role</a> for several months <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/09/san-francisco-recovery-depends-on-its-hotels/">while managing Hotel Nikko</a> — plans to go into sales mode to convince more companies to bring their events back to San Francisco.

“It&#8217;s not just convention sales, it&#8217;s tourism sales and international sales, and getting business travel back,” she said. “We’ve got to get more people in the city.”

“It's not just convention sales, it's tourism sales and international sales, and getting business travel back,” she said. “We’ve got to get more people in the city.”

“It&#8217;s not just convention sales, it&#8217;s tourism sales and international sales, and getting business travel back,” she said. “We’ve got to get more people in the city.”

She cited the success of Dreamforce and the annual RSA security conference as helping to drum up interest and touted upcoming sporting events, like the Super Bowl and the FIFA World Cup in 2026, as drawing folks back to SF.

She cited the success of Dreamforce and the annual RSA security conference as helping to drum up interest and touted upcoming sporting events, like the Super Bowl and the FIFA World Cup in 2026, as drawing folks back to SF.

Three big events in the coming years — the NBA's All-Star game, the Super Bowl, and FIFA World Cup — are expected to bring $1.4 billion to the Bay Area. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-from-ios-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a presentation slide with economic impact estimates, highlighting $1.4B for the Bay Area, 500K visitors, 13K jobs, and 400K room-nights, alongside event logos." class="wp-image-315204"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Three huge sporting events — the NBA All-Star Game, the Super Bowl, and the FIFA World Cup — are forecast to bring $1.4 billion to the Bay Area.</figcaption></figure>

Other conference speakers included Karina Herold of the <a href="https://bayareahostcommittee.com/about-us/karina-herold">Bay Area Host Committee</a>, who helped win those sports contracts, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/03/17/store-closures-arent-sfs-fault-but-they-are-its-problem-heres-how-to-solve-it/">Bob Fisher</a>, whose family founded Gap and who has funded events like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/07/downtown-san-francisco-first-thursday-event-impact/">downtown’s First Thursdays</a>.

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Other conference speakers included Karina Herold of the <a href="https://bayareahostcommittee.com/about-us/karina-herold">Bay Area Host Committee</a>, who helped win those sports contracts, and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/opinion/2024/03/17/store-closures-arent-sfs-fault-but-they-are-its-problem-heres-how-to-solve-it/">Bob Fisher</a>, whose family founded Gap and who has funded events like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/07/downtown-san-francisco-first-thursday-event-impact/">downtown’s First Thursdays</a>.

A panel on cleaning up the city featured District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Police Chief Bill Scott, and Office of Workforce and Development Executive Director Sarah Dennis Phillips, who discussed how the city has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/07/bayside-market-closing-blames-city-hall/">cracking down on crime</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/18/new-vacant-to-vibrant-popup-businesses-downtown-sf/">trying to help small-business owners</a>.

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A panel on cleaning up the city featured District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Police Chief Bill Scott, and Office of Workforce and Development Executive Director Sarah Dennis Phillips, who discussed how the city has been <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/07/bayside-market-closing-blames-city-hall/">cracking down on crime</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/18/new-vacant-to-vibrant-popup-businesses-downtown-sf/">trying to help small-business owners</a>.

Melissa Andretta, who runs marketing at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/26/sfo-terminal-1-lounge/">San Francisco International Airport</a>, shared data about the airport&#8217;s declining international visitors, particularly from China. She described SFO as “more of a connecting airport now,” with the number of connecting passengers up 30%.

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Melissa Andretta, who runs marketing at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/26/sfo-terminal-1-lounge/">San Francisco International Airport</a>, shared data about the airport's declining international visitors, particularly from China. She described SFO as “more of a connecting airport now,” with the number of connecting passengers up 30%.

Melissa Andretta, who runs marketing at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/26/sfo-terminal-1-lounge/">San Francisco International Airport</a>, shared data about the airport&#8217;s declining international visitors, particularly from China. She described SFO as “more of a connecting airport now,” with the number of connecting passengers up 30%.

Presutti grimaced at that descriptor.

“Anytime you see an airport becoming a ‘pass-through’ airport versus a ‘stay-over’ airport, you just kind of go ‘ugh,’” she said. “We’ve got to shift that. But the tides go in and they go out, and they’ll come in again.”

“Anytime you see an airport becoming a ‘pass-through’ airport versus a ‘stay-over’ airport, you just kind of go ‘ugh,’” she said. “We’ve got to shift that. But the tides go in and they go out, and they’ll come in again.”

For SF’s tourism industry, 2024 has been a big letdown

Under the historic glass-enclosed dome of the San Francisco Centre mall, patrons used to line up for the movies or special holiday sales at Nordstrom. Now, with both of those options absent, they’ll be using the space for job training and workshops instead.

Under the historic glass-enclosed dome of the San Francisco Centre mall, patrons used to line up for the movies or special holiday sales at Nordstrom. Now, with both of those options absent, they’ll be using the space for job training and workshops instead.

Nearly one year to the date since the mall <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstroms-exit-from-san-francisco-calls-downtown-malls-future-into-question/">lost its signature anchor tenant</a>—setting off a chain reaction of high-profile departures and an acrimonious change in ownership—a new slate of seven tenants are finally starting to trickle into the vacant spaces left behind.&nbsp;

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Nearly one year to the date since the mall <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstroms-exit-from-san-francisco-calls-downtown-malls-future-into-question/">lost its signature anchor tenant</a>—setting off a chain reaction of high-profile departures and an acrimonious change in ownership—a new slate of seven tenants are finally starting to trickle into the vacant spaces left behind.&nbsp;

Chief amongst them are two nonprofits dedicated to serving locals. According to real estate firm JLL, which is now handling leasing at the property, Opportunities for All (OFA) signed up to take 17,000 square feet of office space on the fourth level of the mall, now known as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/29/san-francisco-centre-mall-rebrand-emporium/">Emporium Centre San Francisco</a>. The city-funded program helps connect people ages 13-24 to paid employment opportunities and job training.&nbsp;

Chief amongst them are two nonprofits dedicated to serving locals. According to real estate firm JLL, which is now handling leasing at the property, Opportunities for All (OFA) signed up to take 17,000 square feet of office space on the fourth level of the mall, now known as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/29/san-francisco-centre-mall-rebrand-emporium/">Emporium Centre San Francisco</a>. The city-funded program helps connect people ages 13-24 to paid employment opportunities and job training.&nbsp;

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Another organization, Block by Block, which is a part of the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District (YBCBD), will also lease space at the mall to coordinate its nearby ambassador and street cleaning efforts. Both deals were brokered with help from a combination of the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) and Office of Small Business.&nbsp;

Another organization, Block by Block, which is a part of the Yerba Buena Community Benefit District (YBCBD), will also lease space at the mall to coordinate its nearby ambassador and street cleaning efforts. Both deals were brokered with help from a combination of the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) and Office of Small Business.&nbsp;

“For too long, many small business owners were priced out of downtown spaces,” said Sarah Dennis-Phillips, director of OEWD, in a statement. “San Francisco Centre’s coordination with the city is part of its re-envisioning of the iconic mall as a place for small businesses to get a foothold and to flourish.”&nbsp;

“For too long, many small business owners were priced out of downtown spaces,” said Sarah Dennis-Phillips, director of OEWD, in a statement. “San Francisco Centre’s coordination with the city is part of its re-envisioning of the iconic mall as a place for small businesses to get a foothold and to flourish.”&nbsp;

A cyclist with an e-bike stands in front of San Francisco Centre, formerly Westfield Mall, in San Francisco on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. After dozens of closures to various businesses within Westfield Mall, including Nordstrom’s, the remaining businesses and their workers continue to serve customers and clients although the future of the mall and its businesses are in question.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240119-sfcentremall-050.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person by a bike stands in front of the San Francisco Centre entrance with bold signage." class="wp-image-245251"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Formerly known as Westfield Mall, the Emporium Centre San Francisco is currently mired in a messy ownership change. </figcaption></figure>

Joining the two nonprofits are a string of independent niche businesses that previously, likely wouldn’t have been able to lease space at what was once the city’s premier shopping destination.&nbsp;

Joining the two nonprofits are a string of independent niche businesses that previously, likely wouldn’t have been able to lease space at what was once the city’s premier shopping destination.&nbsp;

The new entrants include A&amp;S Cell Accessories and Repairs, Hey Hi Toys, pet supply vending machine pop-up Paw Box, vintage store +Friends and Merkado, which sells Japanese kawaii (cute) products.&nbsp;

The new entrants include A&amp;S Cell Accessories and Repairs, Hey Hi Toys, pet supply vending machine pop-up Paw Box, vintage store +Friends and Merkado, which sells Japanese kawaii (cute) products.&nbsp;

“Any positive news over there is great,” said Cameron Baird, a longtime San Francisco retail broker at Avison Young, who is not involved with the mall’s leases. He speculated the new lease rates were either heavily discounted or based on a percentage of sales.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Any positive news over there is great,” said Cameron Baird, a longtime San Francisco retail broker at Avison Young, who is not involved with the mall’s leases. He speculated the new lease rates were either heavily discounted or based on a percentage of sales.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There is no better time than now to be a tenant or buyer in the city,” Baird said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There is no better time than now to be a tenant or buyer in the city,” Baird said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The mall was formerly owned and operated by a partnership of multinational retail giant Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and real estate firm Brookfield Properties. Since the property was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">handed back over to lenders</a> last June, the courts appointed Trident Pacific Real Estate Group as the mall’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/downtown-san-francisco-centre-receiver/">temporary steward</a>.&nbsp;

Westfield gives up downtown San Francisco mall

The mall was formerly owned and operated by a partnership of multinational retail giant Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and real estate firm Brookfield Properties. Since the property was <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/12/westfield-gives-up-downtown-san-francisco-mall/">handed back over to lenders</a> last June, the courts appointed Trident Pacific Real Estate Group as the mall’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/10/downtown-san-francisco-centre-receiver/">temporary steward</a>.&nbsp;

As the property’s custodian, Trident Pacific has the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/25/san-francisco-centre-mall-receiver-new-commitment/">authority to manage, reposition and potentially sell </a>the property. Representatives of Trindent Pacific and JLL declined to comment on this story.&nbsp;

As the property’s custodian, Trident Pacific has the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/01/25/san-francisco-centre-mall-receiver-new-commitment/">authority to manage, reposition and potentially sell </a>the property. Representatives of Trindent Pacific and JLL declined to comment on this story.&nbsp;

“A retail property like this one is meant to be filled with longer-term-credit tenants,” said Michael Berne, president of MJB Consulting, a Berkeley- and New York-based retail planning and real estate consultancy. “If this is the best they could do right now, it speaks volumes to how far it has fallen.”

“A retail property like this one is meant to be filled with longer-term-credit tenants,” said Michael Berne, president of MJB Consulting, a Berkeley- and New York-based retail planning and real estate consultancy. “If this is the best they could do right now, it speaks volumes to how far it has fallen.”

People walk through the San Francisco Shopping Centre, also known as Westfield Mall, in downtown San Francisco on Black Friday on Friday, Nov. 25, 2011.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240226_westfieldmall_beforeafter_17.jpg?w=2139" alt="Crowded mall interior with busy escalators and many shoppers carrying bags." class="wp-image-243421"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The once-popular downtown mall as seen on Black Friday in 2011.</figcaption></figure>

Compared to the brands that have left the mall, Berne said the new stores coming in seem like they would appeal to a younger generation of shoppers.&nbsp;

Compared to the brands that have left the mall, Berne said the new stores coming in seem like they would appeal to a younger generation of shoppers.&nbsp;

Despite these new leases, the mall remains more than 50% vacant with big box spaces like the former five-floor Nordstrom and movie theater still empty. The mall’s other anchor tenant, Bloomingdale’s, has a lease that runs until 2046, according to commercial mortgage-backed security loan data. Other notable brands still holding on at the Emporium include Lululemon, Zara and H&amp;M.&nbsp;

Despite these new leases, the mall remains more than 50% vacant with big box spaces like the former five-floor Nordstrom and movie theater still empty. The mall’s other anchor tenant, Bloomingdale’s, has a lease that runs until 2046, according to commercial mortgage-backed security loan data. Other notable brands still holding on at the Emporium include Lululemon, Zara and H&amp;M.&nbsp;

Stonestown Galleria has quietly become San Francisco’s second Japantown

As the mall and nearby Union Square <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/04/union-square-sf-revitalization-plan-mayor-breed/">continue to search for a new identity</a> in the wake of the ongoing retail exodus, parties proposing alternative uses are emerging from the sidelines.&nbsp;

Union Square is dying. Here&#8217;s the mayor&#8217;s new plan to save it

As the mall and nearby Union Square <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/04/union-square-sf-revitalization-plan-mayor-breed/">continue to search for a new identity</a> in the wake of the ongoing retail exodus, parties proposing alternative uses are emerging from the sidelines.&nbsp;

Desi Danganan, executive director of local nonprofit Kultivate Labs, told The Standard he personally reached out to JLL earlier this year to discuss transforming the mostly vacant fourth floor of the mall into a hub for Filipino cuisine, shopping and culture.&nbsp;

Desi Danganan, executive director of local nonprofit Kultivate Labs, told The Standard he personally reached out to JLL earlier this year to discuss transforming the mostly vacant fourth floor of the mall into a hub for Filipino cuisine, shopping and culture.&nbsp;

He said the two sides have already had five meetings to discuss potential floor plans and are still having ongoing discussions.&nbsp;

He said the two sides have already had five meetings to discuss potential floor plans and are still having ongoing discussions.&nbsp;

“They have a strong mall culture in the Philippines,” Danganan said. “If we do this right, it could attract a lot of foreign investment.”

“They have a strong mall culture in the Philippines,” Danganan said. “If we do this right, it could attract a lot of foreign investment.”

Stripped of big brands, a downtown San Francisco mall embraces a new class of tenant

Josh Koehn

In the face of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">staggering city budget deficit</a>, San Francisco’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development is hiring urban planner Sarah Dennis-Phillips as its next executive director, The Standard has learned.

In the face of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/san-franciscos-deficit-swells-to-780m-in-latest-sign-of-budget-distress/">staggering city budget deficit</a>, San Francisco’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development is hiring urban planner Sarah Dennis-Phillips as its next executive director, The Standard has learned.

Mayor London Breed is expected to announce the appointment Wednesday afternoon, according to a City Hall source. A meeting was held Wednesday announcing the agency’s current leader, Kate Sofis, has stepped down from her position to pursue another job with the city.

Mayor London Breed is expected to announce the appointment Wednesday afternoon, according to a City Hall source. A meeting was held Wednesday announcing the agency’s current leader, Kate Sofis, has stepped down from her position to pursue another job with the city.

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development carries out a variety of roles, from issuing grants and loans to small businesses to helping people with job placement. But with the city staring down the barrel of a $780 million two-year deficit, the biggest challenge for the department will be retaining Downtown businesses and filling spaces left vacant by the pandemic and a massive shift to remote work. Many of the city’s largest tech companies have no plans to require full-time, in-office work. Some companies uprooted from San Francisco entirely, while others have laid off thousands of workers.

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development carries out a variety of roles, from issuing grants and loans to small businesses to helping people with job placement. But with the city staring down the barrel of a $780 million two-year deficit, the biggest challenge for the department will be retaining Downtown businesses and filling spaces left vacant by the pandemic and a massive shift to remote work. Many of the city’s largest tech companies have no plans to require full-time, in-office work. Some companies uprooted from San Francisco entirely, while others have laid off thousands of workers.

Dennis-Phillips most recently worked as a senior director at developer Tishman Speyer, where she oversaw projects from building approvals and permitting to construction, according to <a href="https://www.spur.org/about/board/sarah-dennis-phillips" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a bio on San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association’s website</a>. Dennis-Phillips routinely worked with local and state agencies in this role, and prior to joining Tishman Speyer, she for the city’s Planning Department before moving on to serve as deputy director of development for the office she will now oversee.

Dennis-Phillips most recently worked as a senior director at developer Tishman Speyer, where she oversaw projects from building approvals and permitting to construction, according to <a href="https://www.spur.org/about/board/sarah-dennis-phillips" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a bio on San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association’s website</a>. Dennis-Phillips routinely worked with local and state agencies in this role, and prior to joining Tishman Speyer, she for the city’s Planning Department before moving on to serve as deputy director of development for the office she will now oversee.

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GET THE INSIDE SCOOP: Power Play is The Standard's new insider email newsletter covering City Hall and politics. Sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://mailchi.mp/sfstandard/powerplay_signup/">here</a>.

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“While some of the changes San Francisco has seen post-pandemic are painful, they also present an opportunity to rebuild our local economy with intention and forethought, to repopulate our streets with arts and affordability, and to broaden the benefits of economic growth to all of our residents,” Dennis-Phillips said in a statement.

“While some of the changes San Francisco has seen post-pandemic are painful, they also present an opportunity to rebuild our local economy with intention and forethought, to repopulate our streets with arts and affordability, and to broaden the benefits of economic growth to all of our residents,” Dennis-Phillips said in a statement.

In September, Breed appointed Dennis-Phillips to serve on the Inclusionary Housing Technical Advisory Committee, a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/an-obscure-committee-could-change-sfs-housing-rules-heres-why-it-matters/">little-known but influential group</a> that makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on how to set the city’s inclusionary housing rate, an affordability minimum that developers have often criticized. The rate determines how many units a developer must set aside for below-market-rate housing in any project larger than 10 units.

In September, Breed appointed Dennis-Phillips to serve on the Inclusionary Housing Technical Advisory Committee, a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/an-obscure-committee-could-change-sfs-housing-rules-heres-why-it-matters/">little-known but influential group</a> that makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on how to set the city’s inclusionary housing rate, an affordability minimum that developers have often criticized. The rate determines how many units a developer must set aside for below-market-rate housing in any project larger than 10 units.

Dennis-Phillips holds degrees from the University of Virginia and Harvard University in architecture, landscape architecture and urban planning. She was not immediately available for comment.

Dennis-Phillips holds degrees from the University of Virginia and Harvard University in architecture, landscape architecture and urban planning. She was not immediately available for comment.

Breed appointed Sofis to lead the Office of Economic and Workforce Development just two years ago. The department has 153 employees. Sofis earned $368,890 in total compensation in her role leading the department last year, according to government records.

Breed appointed Sofis to lead the Office of Economic and Workforce Development just two years ago. The department has 153 employees. Sofis earned $368,890 in total compensation in her role leading the department last year, according to government records.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Kate_Sofis_SFMade_10806979293.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34739"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kate Sofis has spent the last two years as executive director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. | Tom Cogill</figcaption></figure>

A report by The Standard early last year found that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/london-breed-appointee-potential-conflict-interest-amazon-project/">Sofis failed to properly disclose her economic interests</a> before taking the job with the city, which included a stake in multiple nonprofit entities. Sofis was forced to recuse herself from negotiations with Amazon on a proposed shipping facility in the South of Market neighborhood due to her prior work as co-founder and CEO of SFMade, a nonprofit focused on supporting the city’s manufacturing sector.

A report by The Standard early last year found that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/london-breed-appointee-potential-conflict-interest-amazon-project/">Sofis failed to properly disclose her economic interests</a> before taking the job with the city, which included a stake in multiple nonprofit entities. Sofis was forced to recuse herself from negotiations with Amazon on a proposed shipping facility in the South of Market neighborhood due to her prior work as co-founder and CEO of SFMade, a nonprofit focused on supporting the city’s manufacturing sector.

However, a source said this issue did not play a factor in the change in leadership.

However, a source said this issue did not play a factor in the change in leadership.

Due to the city’s budget shortfall—and potentially more cuts coming in future years—the pressure on the office and Sofis in recent months has been immense.

Due to the city’s budget shortfall—and potentially more cuts coming in future years—the pressure on the office and Sofis in recent months has been immense.

In February, Breed announced a new Downtown recovery plan designed to reactivate the central business corridor, and earlier this month the office released <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/Roadmap%20to%20SF%202%20Pager.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a two-page report</a> noting where progress has been made. This includes plans to create an entertainment zone, proposed tax breaks for new businesses setting up shop Downtown and investing in a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/vacancy-ridden-street-near-sfs-union-square-gets-6m-investment/">Powell Street Promenade</a> to beautify the area where cable cars run by Union Square.

In February, Breed announced a new Downtown recovery plan designed to reactivate the central business corridor, and earlier this month the office released <a href="https://sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/Roadmap%20to%20SF%202%20Pager.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a two-page report</a> noting where progress has been made. This includes plans to create an entertainment zone, proposed tax breaks for new businesses setting up shop Downtown and investing in a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/vacancy-ridden-street-near-sfs-union-square-gets-6m-investment/">Powell Street Promenade</a> to beautify the area where cable cars run by Union Square.

In March, the mayor and Supervisor Aaron Peskin introduced legislation to streamline the conversion of vacant Downtown office buildings into housing. The legislation has yet to work its way to the Board of Supervisors for a vote.

In March, the mayor and Supervisor Aaron Peskin introduced legislation to streamline the conversion of vacant Downtown office buildings into housing. The legislation has yet to work its way to the Board of Supervisors for a vote.

A group of entrepreneurs has also floated an intriguing proposal to resurrect Downtown: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/sf-doom-loop-convert-downtown-offices-student-housing-uc-berkeley/">Converting office towers into housing for college students</a>. Bilal Mahmood, a startup founder and former state Assembly candidate, has been studying the issue and meeting with government officials to gauge interest.

A group of entrepreneurs has also floated an intriguing proposal to resurrect Downtown: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/sf-doom-loop-convert-downtown-offices-student-housing-uc-berkeley/">Converting office towers into housing for college students</a>. Bilal Mahmood, a startup founder and former state Assembly candidate, has been studying the issue and meeting with government officials to gauge interest.

Breed hires new head of economic development to confront San Francisco’s doom loop

Kevin Truong

Annie Gaus

In February, Mayor London Breed first <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/09/downtown-san-francisco-is-dead-heres-the-plan-to-save-it/">publicly detailed the city’s strategy</a> to bring back San Francisco’s notoriously struggling Downtown.&nbsp;

Downtown San Francisco is dead. Here’s the plan to save it

In February, Mayor London Breed first <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/02/09/downtown-san-francisco-is-dead-heres-the-plan-to-save-it/">publicly detailed the city’s strategy</a> to bring back San Francisco’s notoriously struggling Downtown.&nbsp;

Six months later, flanked by members of a business community that has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/24/im-counting-on-you-breed-implores-business-leaders-for-support-amid-grim-poll-numbers/">needled her over the slow pace of the city&#8217;s progress</a>, Breed gave a status update at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce in an effort to rally those members to remake the city’s image as a hospitable place to do business.&nbsp;

San Francisco mayor implores business leaders for support amid grim poll numbers

Six months later, flanked by members of a business community that has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/24/im-counting-on-you-breed-implores-business-leaders-for-support-amid-grim-poll-numbers/">needled her over the slow pace of the city's progress</a>, Breed gave a status update at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce in an effort to rally those members to remake the city’s image as a hospitable place to do business.&nbsp;

Six months later, flanked by members of a business community that has <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/24/im-counting-on-you-breed-implores-business-leaders-for-support-amid-grim-poll-numbers/">needled her over the slow pace of the city&#8217;s progress</a>, Breed gave a status update at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce in an effort to rally those members to remake the city’s image as a hospitable place to do business.&nbsp;

“I am optimistic about the future because what we’re seeing in San Francisco is something like we’ve never seen before,” Breed said.

“I am optimistic about the future because what we’re seeing in San Francisco is something like we’ve never seen before,” Breed said.

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