500-502 19th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121

The three-unit, three-story multi-family residential building at 500-502 19th Avenue in the Central Richmond neighborhood, owned by the Maria Mui Chen Exemption Trust, was constructed in 1914 and has undergone several significant improvements over the years. Most notably, in 2014, there was a substantial renovation involving the legalization of an unpermitted dwelling unit on the ground floor, including the addition of a kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms, at a cost of $65,000.

This work prompted further safety upgrades, including the installation of a comprehensive fire sprinkler system in 2016 (cost: $8,900) to protect the entire building. The property has also seen important infrastructure improvements, including a complete electrical rewiring in 2016 (installation of 17 lights, multiple receptacles, and safety features), kitchen and bathroom remodeling in 2016, and a reroofing project in 2009. Recent history shows multiple municipal service requests in 2024, primarily related to parking issues, including several reports of vehicles blocking driveways and parking illegally.

There have also been calls regarding garbage and debris on the property, though these appear to have been resolved. The building has experienced two minor fire-related incidents on record: one electrical wiring/equipment problem and one smoke scare, neither of which resulted in civilian injuries. The property's most recent building improvement history suggests a focus on safety and modernization, particularly through the 2016 sprinkler installation and electrical system upgrade, though the ground floor unit legalization in 2014 was a significant modification to the original building configuration.