Part 3/8:
The departure of large companies, particularly Twitter, drastically altered the dynamics of the area. When Twitter’s headquarters moved out, it created a significant void in foot traffic that businesses like The Market relied on. The missing corporate presence has contributed to a staggering 40% vacancy rate in the financial district, forcing retailers to make the tough decision to close their doors.
As the commercial landscape deteriorates—evidenced by nearby Whole Foods also shuttering—smaller businesses that serve localized, everyday needs are severely impacted. While the entire area struggles with remnant COVID-19 lockdowns and a shift to remote work, a significant challenge remains: how to regenerate consumer interest and safety in downtown San Francisco.