2500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

The 12-unit apartment building at 2500 Van Ness Avenue, located in Russian Hill, is a 3-story structure built in 1922 and currently owned by 2500 Van Ness Avenue LLC. The building has undergone significant safety and modernization improvements, most notably a $39,000 fire alarm system upgrade in July 2023 to install new wireless low-frequency sounders and replace smoke detectors, pull stations, and horn/strobes in common areas. In 2015, the building completed a mandatory soft-story retrofit to improve seismic safety.

Multiple unit renovations have been performed throughout the years, with recent updates in 2019-2020 including kitchen and bathroom remodels in several units (1, 3, and 7) as well as washer/dryer installations. The building has experienced recurring fire safety issues, with multiple fire complaints and violations related to alarm systems and blocked exits between 2008 and 2024, though most have been corrected promptly. An unusual pattern of plumbing issues was noted in 2000 with two complaints regarding sewer backup in the garage area, and several electrical upgrades have been completed, including a failed solar installation attempt in 2013.

Recent fire safety inspections in 2024 revealed one alarm systems violation that was later corrected, and the building has maintained its Tier 2 soft-story compliance status. The property has undergone several zoning verifications, with records showing past attempts to convert parking spaces to commercial use, though these were disapproved. While the building has had various maintenance issues over the years, most violations have been addressed and resolved, with particular attention paid to keeping fire safety systems up to date.