Knoxville public officer orders repairs or demolition for multiple unsafe properties

Nicholas Bradshaw, the public officer designated by the mayor, ordered owners of multiple Knoxville properties to repair or demolish unsafe structures after city inspectors reported severe damage, recurring nuisance complaints and post-fire hazards at a March 27 hearing.

Scott Elder, neighborhood codes enforcement manager for the City of Knoxville, presented photos and inspection findings for each property. Elder told the hearing the structure at 3119 Woodbine Avenue had “a very large hole” in the roof, interior water damage and a failed retaining wall that left the house shifting; he recommended a 120-day repair/demolition order. Owner Arianne Kitchen said she bought the house in 2023 for $32,000, secured financing in February and has hired a contractor and landscaping crew to start cleanup.

Bradshaw ordered the owner of 3119 Woodbine Avenue to repair or demolish the structure within 120 days and warned that, if corrective work is not completed, the city may placard the building as unfit, vacate it and proceed with repair or demolition with costs…