The true San Francisco story of the only house in the Tenderloin, and the man inside
Briefly

Nestled in San Francisco's Tenderloin, 606 Ellis St. is an anomaly as the lone single-family house in the area. Built in 1907, it was purchased by Robo Gerson in 2022 for $1.2 million. The home previously belonged to Takahiro Oki, who had furnished the basement with Alcatraz-themed jail cells, attracting tourists but drawing complaints. Over the years, this site has witnessed various oddities and changes, including the controversial removal of a rare Norfolk Island pine tree, making it a noteworthy piece of the neighborhood's history.
The house, built in 1907, stands out uniquely in the urban landscape of the Tenderloin, being the only single-family residence in the area.
Robo Gerson bought the property for $1.2 million in 2022, captivated by its rarity and odd character, saying, "I need that kind of weird."
Former owner Takahiro Oki had previously rented out the basement as Alcatraz-themed jail cells, attracting tourists but ultimately faced complaints.
The home has seen various transformations over the years, including the oddity of the jail cells and the removal of a famed Norfolk Island pine tree.
Read at Mission Local
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