KQED's Forum What Should Replace San Francisco Centre?
Jan 27, 2026
Michael Covarrubias, CEO of TMG Partners, talks redevelopment economics and policy levers. Lisa Wang, design director at Gensler, offers ideas on building reuse and streetscape activation. Laura Crescimano, co-founder of Sight Lab, explores placemaking and mixed-use concepts. J.K. Dineen, Chronicle housing reporter, gives on-the-ground context about downtown decline and reuse possibilities. They debate phasing, interim uses, and civic reconnection.
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Mall's Spectacular Reopening Memory
- J.K. Deneen recalled the mall's grand 2006 reopening with aerial artists, cheerleaders and big crowds.
- She remembered stores selling massive amounts and city politicians attending the celebration.
Department Stores Stayed Too Long
- J.K. Deneen said the mall was already weakening before COVID because department stores lingered too long.
- The mall's main customers were business and convention travelers, who vanished during the pandemic.
Three-Building Opportunity
- Lisa Wang described the Mall as three connected buildings: the Emporium, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's.
- She argued the mix offers opportunity to knit spaces into a cohesive, more civic experience with more light and access.