A 1916 duplex on 19th Avenue in Central Richmond is headed for a dramatic makeover, with preliminary plans calling for the building to double its residential capacity to four units and grow from three stories to four. The proposed infill would push floor area from 3,490 square feet to 8,330 square feet, expanding the existing structure into the rear yard and adding a full additional floor.
The project at 445 19th Avenue is being pursued by Hatch Projects LLC, listed as the property owner and responsible party, according to San Francisco YIMBY. Caha Design Group drafted the plans, which call for a mix of one one-bedroom unit, one two-bedroom unit, and two three-bedroom units, plus a ground-floor garage expanded to fit parking for four cars. The site sits in Central Richmond near Golden Gate Park, along the stretch of 18th Avenue between Geary Boulevard and Anza Street, and directly across the street from the city-operated Argonne Playground and Recreation Center, which offers sports courts and play structures, according to Trulia.
Construction is estimated to cost around $1.8 million, not including all development costs, and is projected to start in summer 2027 and last 10 to 14 months, per the same YIMBY report. The building additions would be clad in a stucco facade intended to potentially match the existing structure.
A Pricey Vacant Lot Sets the Stage
The site’s recent sale history hints at why an owner would bet big on adding density here. The 2,730-square-foot duplex sold fully vacant on its 3,000-square-foot lot on February 24, 2026, for $1,538,000 — a full 54% over its $999,000 asking price, according to Trulia. The property had been held by the same family for more than 50 years before the sale…