The beloved Lucca Ravioli space on Valencia Street is getting a modern tech makeover. Square, the payment processing company co-founded by Jack Dorsey, is turning the long-vacant storefront into a “Corner Store” that promises more than just product displays.

After sitting empty for six years, the historic location at 1100 Valencia Street will now serve as a dynamic space for technology and community engagement. The store, set to launch on May 27, will showcase Square’s latest products, including their new Square Handheld device, while offering consultations and support for local businesses.

Square’s commitment to the Mission District is evident in their recent processing of over 20,000 transactions per day in the neighborhood. The company aims to create a space that goes beyond typical retail, hosting evening events that will explore diverse topics like artificial intelligence for small businesses and immigrant narratives that shaped the Mission.

For local entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, the Corner Store represents more than just a product showcase. It offers a rare opportunity for direct, human-centered customer support – a refreshing alternative to frustrating AI chatbots. By filling a long-vacant storefront, Square is also contributing to the street’s revitalization.

The pop-up installation marks an interesting evolution for a space that has seen dramatic changes. From its 94-year history as an Italian-American grocery to experiencing a police chase car crash, the location has now transformed into a modern tech community center.

While the duration of this pop-up remains uncertain, it signals Square’s innovative approach to community engagement and local business support. For Mission District residents and Bay Area tech workers, this new space offers a glimpse into how technology companies can meaningfully integrate with neighborhood ecosystems.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like Square’s Corner Store demonstrate a growing trend of companies seeking more personal, community-oriented connections.