1906 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94133

The property at 1906 Powell St in North Beach is a 5-unit, 2-story multi-family residential building constructed in 1923. The building has undergone significant renovations and improvements over the past decade, most notably the recent addition of a new dwelling unit (studio apartment) in January 2025, which is currently in progress. In 2018, the building received a basement bathroom addition and underwent sewer system upgrades.

A mandatory seismic retrofit (soft story) was completed in 2017, bringing the building into compliance with current safety standards. Between 2011 and 2014, substantial improvements were made to individual units, including kitchen and bathroom remodels in multiple apartments, installation of new gas fireplaces, and electrical system upgrades including the installation of individual 80-amp subpanels for each unit. The building has experienced several periods of regulatory attention, including three routine inspections (1999, 2005, and 2011), with the 2011 inspection revealing unauthorized remodeling work in all units, particularly regarding electrical and plumbing improvements. Multiple building violations were issued in 2011 related to fire escape maintenance, central alarm system repairs, and interior surface conditions, though these violations were subsequently abated.

Earlier violations from 2005 concerned fire safety features including gas meter documentation and smoke detectors, which were also resolved. Recent maintenance issues have primarily involved exterior concerns such as graffiti, sidewalk cleaning, and parking enforcement matters, as documented in 311 calls throughout 2023-2024. The building's history demonstrates a pattern of proactive maintenance and upgrading of systems, with particular attention paid to seismic safety, fire safety improvements (including the replacement of fire-rated doors in 2012), and modernizing individual unit facilities. The most recent major work involves the addition of a new dwelling unit and associated electrical and plumbing infrastructure in 2025, suggesting ongoing investment in the property's development and capacity.