421 Leavenworth St, San Francisco, CA 94102

The Sierra Madre building at 421 Leavenworth St is a 5-story, 48-unit multi-family residential building constructed in 1913 that has experienced several significant incidents in recent years, most notably a fire in June 2021 that caused substantial damage to the building's interior stairs from the 4th floor to the roof, rendering the building temporarily unsafe and uninhabitable. Following the fire, the building underwent various restoration efforts including a $10 million approved permit in 2023 for fire restoration, seismic upgrades, and general repairs, though there are concerns about current building conditions as evidenced by a June 2024 complaint regarding a continuously sounding smoke alarm. The building's maintenance history shows attention to fire safety systems, with the installation of sprinklers in 2015, followed by various upgrades to the fire alarm system between 2017 and 2021, including testing and reconditioning of electrical equipment due to water intrusion in 2023.

However, the property has faced multiple tenant complaints over the years, including periods without heat (2019), security concerns following a break-in (2019), and several maintenance issues such as a deteriorated condition of stairs and common areas. Recent 311 calls from early 2025 indicate ongoing concerns with building cleanliness and security in the surrounding area, as evidenced by numerous encampment and debris reports. The building's historical records show consistent efforts to maintain and upgrade critical systems, including plumbing work for fire sprinklers in 2017, various electrical upgrades in 2005-2023, and multiple building permits aimed at addressing both routine maintenance and emergency repairs.

While some building violations from 2007 regarding fire safety and egress concerns were addressed, the most recent active complaint regarding the 2021 fire damage raises questions about the building's current habitability status. The property has experienced multiple fire alarm activations, though typically without resulting in significant incidents or injuries, and has undergone various fire system upgrades to improve safety. The building's historic façade has been preserved through renovation work, and recent permits indicate comprehensive rehabilitation plans that include window replacement, door upgrades, new HVAC systems, and improvements to electrical and plumbing infrastructure.