Celebrity-Favorite Burke Williams Spa Exits San Francisco Centre Amid Safety Concerns
Burke Williams Day Spa, a prestigious California-based luxury spa chain frequented by Hollywood stars, announced the closure of its San Francisco location after nearly two decades of operation. The announcement, made on February 12, marks another significant departure from the struggling San Francisco Centre.
Company president Bill Amour cited deteriorating conditions and safety concerns as primary factors behind the decision. “While we held on as long as possible, the reality is that we can no longer operate in a location where the city fails to provide for the safety and wellbeing of its people and businesses,” Amour stated.
Declining Mall Conditions Force Difficult Decision
The spa’s closure, scheduled for April 28, comes amid serious challenges facing the San Francisco Centre. With occupancy rates dropping to just 20-30%, the mall’s environment has significantly impacted businesses. The spa’s management took extraordinary measures to maintain operations, including hiring private security to escort guests through the vacant mall spaces.
The 16,000-square-foot facility, which opened in 2006 as San Francisco’s largest day spa, has served numerous celebrities, including Viola Davis, Christy Carlson Romano, Alan Cumming, and Karamo Brown. The location offered comprehensive wellness services, from massages and facials to specialized wet room treatments.
Part of Larger Retail Exodus
Burke Williams’ departure follows the exit of major anchor tenants. Nordstrom closed its 35-year-old location in 2023, while Bloomingdales announced its closure earlier this year after two decades of operation. The mall has also lost several other prominent retailers, including American Eagle, J. Crew, Adidas, and Hollister.
The spa chain, founded by Bill and Theresa Armour in 1984, has maintained a strong reputation in the wellness industry. Celebrity client Christy Carlson Romano praised the spa in 2018, noting, “I am constantly impressed with the professionalism of their staff, their attention to detail, and commitment to giving me the best experience every visit.”
Despite marketing campaigns and various initiatives to maintain operations, the combination of reduced foot traffic, safety concerns, and the mall’s declining occupancy ultimately led to this difficult decision. The closure represents another challenge for San Francisco’s downtown retail landscape, which continues to face significant headwinds in maintaining business operations.