On April 18, 1906, at 5:00 a.m., a devastating earthquake rocked San Francisco. The Emporium building sustained the earthquake, but was destroyed by fire. All that was left of the Emporium was the beautiful beaux arts façade on Market Street. The next two years were spent rebuilding the Emporium and celebrated dome with the intention of making a newer and grander version of the original structure. In 1908, the Emporium reopened and continued to evolve thereafter, adding dynamic elements to the store such as roof rides and a restaurant under the dome. After 100 years in operation, the Emporium closed its doors to the public in February 1996.

The new Westfield San Francisco Centre will fuse modern architecture with the historic elements of its famed landmark location. This careful consideration and artful design will be reflected in the restoration and preservation of historic elements, including the building's Market Street façade, grand rotunda and intricate, 102-foot-wide glass and steel dome, which upon opening will be newly restored to its original appearance circa 1908.