36-38 Spofford St, San Francisco, CA 94108

The 3-story, 9-unit multi-family residential building at 36-38 Spofford Street, owned by the Cal Chinese Free Mason Society, has a significant history of safety compliance issues and maintenance work since its construction in 1907. The property underwent a seismic upgrade in 1994 with steel frame and wall anchors installation, and more recent improvements include a reroofing project in 2010 and a 2003 electrical upgrade converting to a 200-amp underground service. However, the most concerning aspect of the building's history centers around fire safety issues, particularly in 2016 when multiple violations were documented, including problems with the fire alarm system, emergency lighting, fire extinguisher maintenance, exit/fire escape conditions, and signage.

These violations were either referred to hearing or marked as "correct - no permit". More recent fire safety concerns were noted in October 2022, regarding fire extinguishers, though this appears to have been resolved by February 2023. The building has experienced ongoing infrastructure challenges, particularly in recent months, with multiple reports of garbage and debris issues during late 2024 through early 2025. A sewage backup incident was reported and resolved in September 2024.

While some of these issues may be exterior to the building itself, they impact the overall maintenance environment of the property. Historical maintenance records indicate attention to basic infrastructure needs, such as a 1988 fire escape ladder replacement and various general upkeep. The building's fire safety systems have required regular attention over the years, as evidenced by multiple fire complaints and violations, particularly focusing on extinguishers and alarm systems. The most recent infrastructure work appears to be focused on modernization efforts, including the electrical system upgrade and roofing improvements, though these are now over a decade old.