The phrase "to build the center" means to establish a central point or focus. It refers to creating a place or concept that brings people together, where ideas and actions can converge. Full definition
When there are two developers competing to build a center in a market that can support only one project it becomes a race to be the first to announce leases with major tenants. (nreionline.com)
We have to build a center where everyone can learn about the religion of the other. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)
So when was the last time anyone built a center around the original mall concept of gathering the most exciting retail trends in the market together under a single roof? (nreionline.com)