37.7597, −122.4353 A locator map appears here once a Mapbox token is configured.
Know This Place

District 8 · Block 2695, Lot 013 · ZIP 94114

Castro Rock Steam Baths

578–582 Castro Street · Eureka Valley

  • 3 stories
  • 3,834 ft2
  • 3,062.5 ft2 lot area
  • 14 rooms
  • 6 bedrooms
  • 4 bathrooms
  • Wood frame
  • Zoned CASTRO
  • Historic resource
  • City landmark #326
  • Sold October 25, 2013
Land$1,348,446
Improvements$1,342,311
Total assessed$2,690,757
37.7597, −122.4353 Street View appears here once a Google Maps embed key is configured.
  1. 1895

    The three-story Victorian wood house on this lot was built.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
  2. 1900

    Built by Fernando Nelson.

  3. 1933

    A bathhouse opened in this Victorian building about 1933-34, known first as the Castro Baths and later the Castro Rock Steam Baths; it closed in the late 1970s.

    Donna J. Graves and Shayne E. Watson, Citywide Historic Context Statement for LGBTQ History in San Francisco, San Francisco Planning Department, adopted by the Historic Preservation Commission November 18, 2015
  4. 1933

    Alex and Kathryn Sergo opened a bathhouse in the building, first called the Castro Baths and later the Castro Rock Steam Baths, and made their home on the floors above it.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
  5. 1971

    A gay guide to the city described the baths as a rundown converted older house, handy for the Upper Market and Castro area; by the 1970s it served gay men exclusively.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
  6. 1976

    An international gay travel guide listed the baths as open around the clock to a mixed neighborhood crowd.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
  7. 1977

    An arson fire closed the Castro Rock Steam Baths, and the bathhouse never reopened.

    SF Planning, landmark designation
  8. Nov 1991
    Permit 9121638 $$$ $1

    See attached or8ig app #7801576 dpw has no record of final.

  9. Apr 1992
    Permit 9205338 $$$ $1,800

    Build stairs interior stairs from 1st to 2nd floor.

  10. Jan 1996
    Permit 9601642 $$$ $9,400

    Reroofing.

  11. Nov 2013
    Permit 201311040969 $$$ $1,000

    Exploritory demolition at colum &beam locations at ground floor & second level to determine structural system for upgrade check for dry rot. ab.107 @ ground floor aprox. 500 sq ft.

  12. Nov 2013
    Permit 201311081453 $$$ $60,000

    Remove 1st floor and 2nd floor levels. remove partition walls and stairs and 1st floor level. in fill stair opening at 2nd level. expand existing residential unit at 2nd level. upgrade toilet at 1st floor. add new bathroom and bedrooms at 2nd level. relocate existing bathroom and kitchen at 2nd level.

  13. Dec 2013
    Permit 201312194618 $$$ $5,000

    Revision 201311081453 for changes of 2nd fl layout. upgrade existing foundation. repair existing stairs at rear. replace concrete at front entry within property line.

  14. Jan 2014
    Permit 201401065616 $$$ $5,000

    Rebuild existing stairs at front residential entry in kind with modification to meet current code requierments. revision to app#201312194618 to modify approved foundation.

  15. Feb 2014
    Issued Permit M461167 $$$ $481

    Change 582a castro st to 578 castro st. change 582b castro st to 580 castro st at block 2695, lot 013.

  16. Jun 2014
    Permit 201406057636 $$$ $1

    Re-open existing frame & window opening at south wall bedroom, original window opening never installed. ref 2014.0106.5616.

  17. Jun 2016
    Issued Permit 201606139832 $$$ $645

    Non-illuminated five inch hollow letter. non-structural.

  18. Jun 2016
    Issued Permit 201606139836 $$$ $275

    Hanging plastec sign. non-structural.

  19. May 2018
    Permit 201805078315 $$$ $4,000

    Remove existing sign - install new awning see plan.

  20. May 2018
    Permit 201805078317 $$$ $850

    Install 3 sets of dimensional letters over canvas awning "rock hard".

  21. May 2019
    Permit 201905170952 $$$ $2,500

    Install front yard fence and gate.

  22. Sep 2020
    Permit 202009234850 $$$ $5,000

    Remove existing staircase. replace with compliant new rear staircase per plan.

  23. Mar 2023
    Permit 202303163790 $$$ $1

    Accessible business entrance ordinance 51-16on first floor: documentation of technical infeasibility form.

  24. April 2, 2025

    Named a landmark candidate

    Put forward as a candidate for individual landmark designation at a District 8 community forum held by the district supervisor and San Francisco Planning, one of twenty-one buildings on the list.

    Corbett Heights Neighbors, "May Neighborhood News", Vol. VII, No. 5 (1 May 2025)
  25. April 30, 2026

    Designated San Francisco Landmark No. 326, Castro Rock Steam Baths.

    SF Planning, landmark designation

3 nominal $1 street-space permits and 1 cancelled permit are omitted.

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