536 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102

The 536 Mason Street building, owned by Kwan Roger C P & Gin B Y, is a 5-story, 25-unit multi-family residential structure built in 1916 in Union Square. The building has a concerning recent history of fire safety issues, with multiple fire code violations recorded in 2024 alone, including problems with alarm systems and various fire safety requirements. There is also a persistent pattern of elevator problems, with the building's only elevator being frequently out of service, causing significant accessibility concerns.

Recent maintenance work has included the installation of fire sprinklers in unit #23 and common areas, boiler replacement, and various unit renovations. A significant complaint about a strong odor in the first floor common area was filed in November 2023. The building's fire safety systems have required multiple updates and repairs, including a 2021 fire alarm system upgrade initiated in 2017 and various sprinkler system modifications.

The property has experienced issues with unauthorized units, most notably a 2017 complaint regarding an illegal unit (unit #27) on the first floor which prompted a $48,000 legalization permit. Recent inspections have revealed multiple fire safety violations requiring permits, focusing on areas such as emergency lighting, extinguisher requirements, and storage clearance. There have also been recurring issues with garbage and debris management outside the building, as evidenced by multiple 311 calls in January 2025 regarding overflowing city garbage cans.