MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Serenity Towers in Memphis is back in the spotlight once again.
On Monday morning into late afternoon, City of Memphis Code Enforcement officers swept the building for violations.
More than 50 of those code enforcement officers, dressed in highly protective gear, made their way into both towers shortly after 10 a.m., searching for violations just two weeks before a judge will decide if the property is a nuisance.
For years, residents at Serenity Towers have had to endure unhealthy and unsafe living conditions.
Residents and investigators with multiple agencies have discovered a lack of hot water, broken air conditioners, leaks in both buildings, mold, mildew, broken security doors and bed bugs.
“In order for us to be able to get a full snapshot of what is going on and the full status of this development, it's necessary for code enforcement officers and those other agencies that have cited Serenity to come in and do a full and comprehensive review of this entire development,” Special Master Marcus Ward said.
While only 175 units are occupied, code enforcement officers started their comprehensive sweep of 400 units on the property.
“They have to do that because to the extent there’s an issue in a vacant unit that’s affecting an occupied unit, that’s something that we need to know," Ward said.
Residents said that while the search for violations continues, they are prepared to move, but just want a safe and clean place to call home.
The city and lawyers for Serenity Towers will head back to court Thursday for a hearing, but the nuisance suit will be held on Oct. 15. The judge will decide whether to condemn the property.