1870 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94109

The 12-unit, 3-story apartment building at 1870 Washington Street in Pacific Heights, built in 1923, has undergone several significant improvements and faced numerous challenges in recent years. Most notably, the building completed a mandatory soft-story seismic retrofit in 2015 at a cost of $206,000, achieving compliance with San Francisco's wood frame seismic retrofit program. Recent electrical upgrades were initiated in October 2024, with permits issued for replacing fuse disconnects across eight breaker panels and installing fire warning devices. A concerning current issue is documented as of December 2024, where residents report heating system failures and unresolved mail security problems following a June 2024 incident with broken mailboxes.

The building has a documented history of heat-related problems, including violations in 2004 and complaints in 2018 and 2024 regarding heating system failures. The property has faced multiple safety and maintenance challenges, particularly between 2004-2005 when it experienced numerous violations that required remediation, including issues with handrails, ceilings, heating, fire safety systems, and more. Recent fire safety violations from 2023-2024 indicate ongoing concerns, with issues noted regarding the alarm system, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and sleeping area requirements, though many have been subsequently corrected or abated. The building's systems have received attention over the years, including a steam boiler replacement in 2018 and various electrical upgrades.

Historical records show earlier maintenance work including stair repairs in 2010 and reroofing in 1992, though some recent complaints have arisen regarding unauthorized roofing work in 2024. The property has been subject to multiple 311 calls regarding parking enforcement in late 2024, indicating potential challenges with street access or parking management around the building. While many historical violations have been addressed, the ongoing concerns about heating systems, mail security, and periodic fire safety issues suggest continuing maintenance and infrastructure challenges. The building's Tier 3 soft-story retrofit classification indicates that while seismic improvements have been completed, residents should remain aware of the building's age and history of systems-related challenges.