955 Oak St, San Francisco, CA 94117

The 2-story multi-family residential building at 955 Oak Street in Hayes Valley, owned by Dave Merkley, was constructed in 1895 and contains 4 units. The property has a concerning history of structural issues, particularly with stairs and decks, dating back to at least 1991 when repairs for dry rot damage to front entry stairs were documented. In 2012, multiple violations were recorded regarding unsafe stair conditions, excessive vegetation, and other building concerns, which were partially addressed by a $5,000 repair project in 2013.

A more recent investigation in 2018 suggested the presence of an unpermitted third dwelling space that may have been used as an art/performance area, with this complaint remaining open until December 2021. The building's maintenance history shows recurring problems with exterior structures, particularly stairs, which have been documented in multiple complaints and repair attempts between 1998 and 2013. A 2013 complaint noted particularly severe issues with front steps, describing dangerous conditions including crumbling components and visible holes.

More recent concerns include several sidewalk parking violations involving vehicles associated with Merkley between 2019-2020, indicating possible ongoing parking management issues. The property has also faced some environmental and public space concerns, with the most recent 311 calls in 2024 reporting graffiti and a missing side sewer vent cover. A short-term rental violation was recorded in planning records, though this appears to have been resolved. While some structural issues have been addressed over the years, the building's maintenance history suggests periodic challenges with maintaining safe and compliant exterior features.