[5] The building is listed as a San Francisco Designated Landmark since February 28, 1975, for the historical cultural value as it was an artist community and not for architectural significance.

[6] The building was built around 1860 for French-born Joseph Emeric,[7] possibly as four shorter Victorian houses.

[4][5] After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire there was a housing shortage and as a result the building was expanded and turned into a residential hotel (or single room occupancy).

[6] In the 1970s and 1980s, Martha Senger served as a lead in the fight against eviction, alongside Charles Turner, John Campbell, Brad Paul, and others.

[9] Martha Senger led Artspace Development Corp. to created "Goodman 2" arts complex; which included fundraising US$3.5 million and building the new residential building in Potrero Hill (18th and Wisconsin Streets) which was completed in 1996.