Breaking News: Erroneous Report Links Academy of Art University to Building Where Elevator Fall Occurred

On Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, the online publication SFWeekly.com erroneously reported that the Sharon building at 55 New Montgomery St., where Dr. Dan Kliman was found dead in an elevator shaft last year, is owned by Scott and Elisa Stephens. Events surrounding Dr. Kliman’s death are the subject of a pending $30 million wrongful death lawsuit.

In fact, neither the Stephens family nor the Academy of Art University, of which Dr. Elisa Stephens is the president, have any connection whatsoever with the Sharon building. On Nov. 23, when served with notice of the impending lawsuit, the Academy of Art University immediately and in writing informed the lawyer who filed the suit, Ian Zimmerman, of his error in property ownership.

“Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased,” says President Stephens, “but neither the Academy of Art University nor the Stephens family have any connection to the building where this tragic event took place.

“As an educational institution operating in the City of San Francisco, the Academy of Art University understands its responsibilities. We are continually investing in our facilities to protect the life and safety of our students and faculty, as well as the public,” she notes. Currently the Academy of Art University is investing millions of dollars in its properties to ensure safety and fire protection, including seismic retrofitting and related work. “Our first responsibility is to the safety of our people. We recognize the importance of being good stewards of the built environment in our home city of San Francisco,” Stephens adds.

The university has asked SFWeekly.com to correct the errors immediately. You can read the original report here.