1985 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94115

The building at 1985 Ellis Street, located in San Francisco's Western Addition neighborhood, is a multi-family residential apartment complex that has undergone significant fire safety improvements in recent years. Most notably, a fire alarm system upgrade costing over $41,000 was initiated in December 2024 to comply with current fire code requirements, and a related electrical modification in June 2023 upgraded the fire panel and installed low-frequency sounders in sleeping areas. The building completed its mandatory soft-story retrofit in 2016, demonstrating compliance with seismic safety requirements.

The property has experienced recurring fire safety issues, with multiple violations and complaints regarding alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and fire safety equipment documented between 2016 and 2024. A small grease fire occurred in September 2022 (which did not require fire department response), and there was one documented gas leak incident with no reported injuries. The building's maintenance history shows attention to infrastructure needs, including a 2021 sewer lateral/house trap update, the removal of unauthorized towerstream equipment in 2015, and various emergency repairs. However, the property has faced some resident concerns over the years, including a 2022 complaint regarding overcrowding (nine people in one bedroom apartment), and a 2015 issue with persistent odors in common areas.

Recent 311 calls from late 2024 indicate ongoing challenges with street-level garbage and debris issues in the vicinity of the building, though these are external to the structure itself. The building's management has generally addressed violations and safety concerns in accordance with requirements, as evidenced by the "Condition Corrected" and "Abated" statuses on many fire code violations. While the property has experienced periodic safety system issues requiring correction, the most recent fire alarm system upgrade suggests an active commitment to maintaining compliance with current safety standards. Regular maintenance and infrastructure improvements, such as the completed reroofing in 2012 and various electrical and plumbing system upgrades, indicate ongoing investment in the building's basic systems.