SF weighs putting data center inside abandoned mall

An unnamed technology company may buy the entire building, and convert one-third of it into what development consultants are calling a “regenerative urban energy center.”

1 minute read

October 23, 2026, 5:00 AM PDT

By Zachary Whalen


The  San Francisco Centre Mall in 2006. Several stories are visible, all filled with people.

The San Francisco Centre Mall in 2006. Under the unnamed technology company’s plan, two-thirds of the mall would contain space for retail, sports and free education. | Coolcaesar

The San Francisco Centre Mall, currently gathering dust after the remaining tenants departed at the beginning of 2026, has received a bid from an unusual potential buyer. Development consultants KG Growth Partners is working with a technology company they declined to name to buy the entire mall. The company plans to convert one-third of it into what the San Francisco Standard calls a data center, but what KG Growth Partners' CEO insists is a “regenerative urban energy center.” 

Under KG Growth Partners' plan, the other two-thirds of the mall would contain space for retail, wellness, sports and free education, along with six acres of green space on top of the building, according to CEO Jared Krieger. Krieger said the project would aim to create more energy than it used. 

The San Francisco Standard reports:

If the project moves forward — which would require it to clear major hurdles, beginning with the selection of its bid by the mall’s sellers — critics worry it could be a departure from a vision for downtown that centers on revitalizing retail and public spaces, much of it focused on the blocks immediately surrounding the mall. That vision has been boosted by the mayor’s office and the Downtown Development Corporation. 

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 in The San Francisco Standard

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 20, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Cars driving under automatic congestion pricing toll machines on Broadway next to the Trump International Hotel in Manhattan, New York City.

Data reveals that NYC’s bet on congestion pricing has paid off

After almost two years of the program, reports show positive impacts on traffic and air quality and no disruptions to parking.

October 13, 2026 - Marcelo Remond

A row of tiny homes in Denver

Denver is solving homelessness. Why aren't the rest of us?

Since 2023, Denver's street homeless population has decreased by 64%, proving that effective tools exist to support those in need of housing.

October 14, 2026 - New York Times

The  San Francisco Centre Mall in 2006. Several stories are visible, all filled with people.

SF weighs putting data center inside abandoned mall

An unnamed technology company may buy the entire building, and convert one-third of it into what development consultants are calling a “regenerative urban energy center.”

5 seconds ago - The San Francisco Standard

A flooded street in Michigan. A car is driving away from the camera. The water is up past the car's tires.

Michigan needs billions to save its water infrastructure. The state won't fund it

Michigan needs to invest $2.8 billion per year over the next 20 years to fix its water infrastructure. The FY 2027 budget allocates only $27.9 million.

October 22 - University Of Michigan

Trump in a navy suit frowns at the camera.

Trump asks Supreme Court to allow border wall through Texas national park

Judge Kathleen Cardone previously blocked the Big Bend border wall project, and Texas’ Land Commissioner has spoken out against it as well.

October 22 - New York Times