163 Sweeny St, San Francisco, CA 94134

The two-unit multi-family residential building at 163 Sweeny Street in Portola, owned by Cynthia Garcia, has a complex history dating back to its 1910 construction. The property has undergone several significant structural and safety-related events, most notably a series of concerning incidents in the early 2000s including major maintenance problems, egress issues, fire safety hazards, and electrical problems with outlets, as well as toxic conditions in the basement with fumes, pests, and ventilation issues. Prior to this, the building experienced substantial distress in the late 1990s, including a fire in 1997 requiring repairs to the kitchen and bathroom, foundation work costing $20,000, and multiple permit complications.

The property has had several notable repairs and improvements, including sidewalk repair work in 2001 and a kitchen and bathroom remodel in 2000, though many of these permits have since expired. Recent activity at the property, as evidenced by numerous 311 calls in late 2024, suggests ongoing maintenance and infrastructure challenges. These include issues with waste management, illegal parking, and a sewage backup incident in November 2024.

The building's management has taken some steps to address cleanliness and maintenance concerns, as noted in several resolved cases regarding debris and waste management. There remains one active issue as of December 2024 regarding an overgrown tree requiring pruning. The property's historical records also show various structural and safety concerns were addressed through proper channels, though some matters were noted as having been handled without necessary permits, particularly regarding stove installation and major reconstruction work in 1998.