159 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114

The 6-unit, 2-story multi-family residential building at 159 Castro Street in the Duboce Triangle neighborhood, owned by 191 Henry LLC, has undergone significant improvements since its construction in 1900. Most notably, the building completed mandatory soft-story seismic retrofitting in 2017-2022 (Tier 3), added a new dwelling unit (ADU) in 2018, installed a fire alarm system in 2021, and implemented various unit renovations including a comprehensive kitchen remodel in Unit A in 2022. Recent infrastructure improvements include a sewer lateral replacement in June 2024 and the installation of fire sprinkler systems between 2020-2021.

The building has a history of addressing maintenance issues, including several plumbing and electrical upgrades between 2009-2022, though it experienced multiple violations in 2001 related to heating, smoke detectors, and other safety concerns which were abated by 2004. The property has faced various tenant complaints over the years, with some recurring issues during the 2000s including inadequate heating and maintenance concerns. More recent complaints from 2017 involved unsafe working conditions and wiring concerns in a storage area, along with a 2020 complaint regarding a temporary disruption of fire alarm system installation.

The building successfully completed regular inspections and upgrades, including a significant electrical system upgrade in 2013, installation of new safety features, and various unit renovations improving resident comfort. The most recent records show regular maintenance and prompt attention to infrastructure requirements, including compliance with fire safety regulations and seismic retrofit requirements. Recent 311 calls primarily concern municipal issues like graffiti and sidewalk maintenance rather than building-specific problems, indicating improved overall building conditions.