1435-1441 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

This 12-unit, 3-story multi-family residential building at 1435-1441 Polk Street, built in 1909, has experienced several significant events impacting resident safety and building infrastructure over recent years. Most notably, the building suffered fire damage in early 2023, affecting multiple units and requiring substantial repairs including stairway repairs, ceiling reconstruction, and fire alarm system upgrades, with work costing over $120,000 combined. The property is currently under an active soft-story program violation (as of January 2023) related to earthquake safety compliance, with a director hearing scheduled for April 2024.

While the building completed required soft-story retrofit work in 2018, there have been ongoing issues with maintaining compliance notifications and fees. Recent fire alarm system upgrades are being implemented to meet current safety standards, with work permitted at over $40,000 and additional electrical modifications in 2024. The building has a documented history of various maintenance and safety concerns, including multiple fire safety system inspections revealing issues with alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers between 2018-2023. Residents have reported various habitability concerns in the past, including problems with plumbing, electrical systems, and security features.

Recent 311 calls from January 2025 indicate persistent issues with garbage collection in the area, though this is a municipal service matter rather than a building-specific issue. The property has undergone certain required improvements, including kitchen and bath remodeling and repairs to address various building violations, though some historical violations related to building systems and safety features remain active or were only recently addressed. The building's recent history shows significant investment in safety improvements, particularly related to fire systems and structural compliance, but also reveals ongoing challenges with maintaining building systems and addressing tenant concerns promptly. The property management's response to recent fire damage has included substantial repairs and upgrades, though there remains work to be completed under various building and safety requirements.