43 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117

The three-story, six-unit apartment building at 43 Cole Street, constructed in 1915 and currently owned by PJL Investment LLC, has undergone significant recent improvements focused on safety and modernization. Most notably, in 2023, the building received extensive fire safety upgrades including a new fire alarm system with addressable components and smoke detection throughout, along with the installation of a comprehensive fire sprinkler system in 2022 covering ground floor areas. The property has also completed mandatory seismic retrofitting as a soft-story building, demonstrating compliance with safety requirements.

Recent unit improvements include a $10,000 revision in 2023 to reconfigure layouts in units A and B, and historical records show consistent maintenance of individual units through plumbing and electrical upgrades between 2008-2021, including kitchen and bathroom improvements in multiple units. Recent concerns have emerged regarding water-related issues, with multiple complaints filed in 2023 documenting leaks and moisture problems, including reports of mold and water damage. An April 2024 complaint noted problems with exterior doors and windows.

The building's history includes a significant ADU conversion project completed in 2021, adding new living spaces to the ground floor. While the property has experienced various maintenance issues over the years, including balcony and stair repairs in the early 2000s and some violations related to smoke detectors and egress, these have generally been addressed through subsequent permits and repairs. The building has experienced several fire alarm system activations between 2012-2013, though these were primarily due to system malfunctions rather than actual fires, with no civilian injuries reported in any incidents.