The Academe at 198 — Local services in San Francisco

My wife and I moved to "The Academe at 198", and overall, it has been a good experience. However, it’s worth mentioning that this place is better suited for singles or couples rather than larger families with children. There are limited options for units with one or two bedrooms, which might not accommodate bigger households well.

The neighborhood has improved significantly over time due to efforts to address homelessness, but there are still homeless individuals in the area, which can be bothersome at times. Security guards at the building do an excellent job ensuring the safety of residents in this part of downtown, which is somewhat vulnerable to crime.

The rental prices used to be high but have recently decreased to a more reasonable level. Studios are not very large but are functional and bearable. Additionally, not having to pay separate bills for water, electricity, and internet is a big advantage, making living here more affordable.

The location is one of the strongest points. The Academe is close to shopping centers, downtown attractions, and sightseeing spots. Public transportation is very convenient, with nearby bus stops and a Muni station just 2 minutes away. Traveling around San Francisco is quick and easy from here.

The building offers several useful amenities. Locker boxes are available in the delivery room for securely receiving packages, and there’s a dedicated bicycle room where you can store your bike for free. The 7th floor is a standout feature, with a terrace, several TVs, a TV room, and common areas where residents can relax. The trash chute system on each floor makes waste disposal easy and organized.

For those who need them, there are two trial courts available for law students, and there’s a Xerox machine in the building for printing or copying documents. The gym is free and a nice perk, and the meeting and study rooms are quiet, functional spaces for work or study.

Parking is one of the main drawbacks. There are limited parking options for residents, and downtown parking is very expensive ($320-500 in the area (For Law students it is $225)). Street parking is unavailable most of the time. Laundry facilities are available, but at $1.65 per wash or dry cycle, it’s not the most budget-friendly option, especially for students.

Overall, "The Academe at 198" is a well-located, convenient, and reasonably priced option for living in San Francisco, especially for couples or singles. The friendly staff, utilities, and improved surroundings are big positives. However, addressing parking limitations, laundry costs, and continued efforts to improve neighborhood safety would make it...

Home in the SF-City! I lived in a studio apartment at Academe 198 and had a truly wonderful experience! From the start, I was impressed by the high standards of security and cleanliness the building offers. The studio apartment came with great amenities, high-quality furniture, and reliable maintenance assistance — any request was addressed quickly and efficiently.

Everything at Academe is so systematic and thoughtfully organized — from the smooth pick-up and drop-off of DoorDash or food delivery orders to the secure package delivery kiosks that give you that extra layer of peace of mind. The friendly security team always greeted us with warm smiles and upheld an excellent work ethic, making residents feel genuinely safe and cared for.

The staff at Academe are incredibly responsive, and suggestions or feedback are always heard and appreciated. One of the unique touches is the thoughtful art installations — not only in the reception lobby but also different themed paintings on every floor, adding character and charm to the living space.

The 7th floor offers a stunning skyline view that’s absolutely picturesque. Each floor also has a cozy common reading room — a peaceful corner to unwind. The shared laundry unit is cleaned twice a week by the maintenance team, which I really appreciated. There’s a well-equipped gym too (though I didn’t get to use it much due to my lab schedule!).

Location-wise, it’s incredibly well connected — close to City Hall, the Opera House, and Union Plaza, with easy access to Muni, BART, the Mission Bay Free Shuttle, and UCSF’s Blue/Gold Free Shuttle. It's also within walking distance of IKEA (perfect for room décor upgrades!) and both Trader Joe’s (on Fulton Street and 4th Street), Target etc.

One of my favorite parts of living here was the community events! I joined a free tour to the Asian Art Museum (with Boba tea!), which was such a fun way to meet other residents. There were also events like a free donut meet, movie trivia night, and a pre-planning and actual Halloween party — all great for building community and making memories.

And let’s not forget — the building is right next to the famous Arsicault Bakery and Paris Café, which are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings!

As an international student, I felt very safe living in the Academe, (even in the Tenderloin neighborhood). With its structure, staff, and warm community, it’s a friendly and safe place to truly call home.

Highly recommend Academe 198 to anyone looking for a well-managed, welcoming place and to call it as Home in...

This is the worst building I have ever lived in my life. I checked in at 198 McAllister Street on the evening of July 26th. Upon getting out of the elevator on the 12th floor, my mother and I immediately noticed a strong unpleasant smell in the hallway. Upon opening the door of my room, we also noticed a strong construction smell in the room, especially in the bathroom, the wardrobe, and the heater. Unfortunately, despite my attempts to ventilate the room using air conditioner and opening the window, the construction smell persisted and was severely affecting my comfort and well-being. Then a housing manager informed me that similar conditions persist throughout the building, so he would not be able to transfer me to a room/hallway without smell. Furthermore, even if I were to request a transfer, it would not be feasible at least until next week, depending on availability and his discretion. This has left me feeling very helpless and disappointed. As a resident, I no longer had confidence in the suitability of this building for my needs. As someone with a sensitive nose, the smell made it difficult to breath, and caused a sore throat, coughing and running nose. My mother was experiencing worse symptoms due to the smell. We went to the hospital for treatment and received a medical diagnosis. The doctor advised that I avoid exposure to the current environment, as it exacerbated my health issues, including sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, and stress-induced high blood pressure. Given the circumstances, I moved out immediately and I only stayed at 198 McAllister for 3 days. However, even though I submitted my termination notice and explained this condition to the manager, they still chase me for...