Part 8/10:
Some speculate that a buyer willing to acquire the property cheaply and repurpose it—possibly for mixed-use, residential, or alternative commercial uses—may be the only viable option. Yet, this will require significant investment, cleanup, and reassurance that the neighborhood can support new development.
Broader Implications for San Francisco
The decline of the Westfield Mall is symptomatic of larger systemic issues confronting San Francisco. The city’s homelessness crisis, street sanitation problems, economic shifts away from traditional retail, and urban decay have created a perfect storm impacting property values and economic vitality.