University of California Eyes SF's 36% Vacant Offices Amid Remote Work Shift

The University of California (UC) is actively exploring opportunities to establish a stronger presence in San Francisco, responding to Mayor London Breed's call to fill the vacant office spaces that have emerged due to the remote work shift during the pandemic.

City Officials Welcome UC's Interest

In response to Mayor Breed's request, representatives from the UC Office of the President engaged in discussions with city officials to explore the potential expansion. While specific downtown commercial properties are yet to be identified, the UC system, along with UC Berkeley, is committed to advancing research, public service, and education in San Francisco.

Ongoing Conversations with Potential Prospects

UC and the city are currently engaged in ongoing conversations, although no concrete proposals have been put forward yet. According to Jeff Cretan, the mayor's spokesman, various options are being explored, reflecting the collaborative effort to find viable solutions for the city's empty office spaces.

Mayor Breed's Vision for Redevelopment

Mayor Breed's vision extends beyond filling office spaces. She envisions repurposing San Francisco's largest mall, the former Westfield San Francisco Centre, into a soccer stadium. This ambitious proposal comes after the mall suffered a significant decrease in value, losing $1 billion according to a recent report by Morningstar Credit Analytics.

UC's Interest in Viable Options

UC Berkeley, in particular, expresses interest in options that are viable for adding housing for graduate students. The university is open to exploring potential buildings for academic purposes in San Francisco. However, undergraduate housing is explicitly ruled out as part of the discussion. This exploration aligns with UC's strategy of expanding its presence, as demonstrated by UCLA's recent endeavors in Southern California.

In Southern California, UCLA has already expanded beyond its Westwood campus through strategic acquisitions, including a former college campus in Rancho Palos Verdes, a downtown office tower, and a significant investment in a future research campus. The University of California's exploration in San Francisco signals a proactive approach to contribute to the city's revitalization and academic growth.