226-228 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94118

The property at 226-228 Balboa Street is a two-story, multi-family residential building located in San Francisco's Inner Richmond neighborhood, built in 1909 and currently owned by Growing Tree School LLC. The building has undergone significant transformations in recent years, transitioning from retail space to a childcare center serving approximately 64 children. This change of use began in 2018 and has involved substantial renovations including the installation of a new fire sprinkler system, fire alarm system, radiant heating, and various electrical and plumbing improvements, with 2022 revisions costing around $640,000 for the childcare conversion.

The building has received multiple permit approvals in 2024 for fire sprinkler installation, electrical work, and plumbing updates, with recent concerns about work being conducted without proper permits noted in March 2024. Recent public health and safety concerns include multiple reports in 2024 regarding pest infestations and environmental health issues, though some of these cases are still under investigation or were transferred to the SF DPH Healthy Housing Program. The property has also experienced periods of vacancy and code enforcement attention, with complaints filed regarding a vacant commercial storefront in 2023.

Other building maintenance and public space issues have been documented through 311 calls, including reports of garbage, graffiti, and illegal postings, though these are generally routine urban maintenance matters. The property's current renovations and occupancy change have involved extensive work to meet safety and regulatory requirements, as evidenced by the numerous permits for fire safety systems, heating, and electrical upgrades, with some historical permits for sprinkler systems being cancelled. The building's conversion from retail to childcare use represents a major transformation of the space, requiring comprehensive updates to meet current codes and standards.