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 certified as a lien under city code.

Elder recommended a 90-day repair/demolition order for 2638 Jefferson Avenue, a property he said has been the subject of nuisance calls since 2017. Jerry Lawson, speaking for his mother, said the family intends to sell the property and that interested buyers have discussed repairs; Bradshaw ordered repair or demolition within 90 days.

The hearing also addressed 2101 Linden Avenue, which Elder said had “significant fire damage” in February and was subsequently boarded. James Smith, who said he acquired the property a few years ago, described cleanup, short-term reinforcements and plans to rehabilitate but acknowledged there were currently no active permits. Bradshaw ordered repair or demolition at 2101 Linden within 90 days but stated the city would consider extensions if demonstrable progress is shown.

Following the Linden discussion, Bradshaw approved the city’s emergency boarding charges related to the February burnout and affirmed the department’s corrective-action costs for the property.

For 403 Nash Road, Elder described a large roof hole above the front porch, evidence of prior entry and cluttered conditions; he requested a 60-day repair order. Chuck Burkes, an attorney representing heirs, said the property is in probate and that the heirs are working to close the estate so they can decide whether to repair or sell; Bradshaw ordered repair within 60 days and noted unpaid city mowing invoices that remain outstanding.

The panel also approved boarding charges for two other addresses — 209 South Castle Street (which Elder said was boarded in August 2025 and has since been demolished) and 1905 Riverside Drive (boarded in August 2025). Bradshaw affirmed corrective-action charges for those sites, citing public-safety risk from structures being open and accessible.

The hearing closed with Bradshaw reiterating the city’s authority under the City Code of Ordinances, Article 6 (Unfit Buildings) and the adopted building and property maintenance codes, and he adjourned the session at 10:07 a.m.

Actions at a glance: • 3119 Woodbine Avenue — order: repair or demolish within 120 days; failure to comply may result in placarding, demolition and a lien for costs (ordered by Public Officer Nicholas Bradshaw). • 2638 Jefferson Avenue — order: repair or demolish within 90 days (ordered by Public Officer Nicholas Bradshaw). • 2101 Linden Avenue — order: repair or demolish within 90 days; city approved emergency boarding charges tied to the February fire (ordered/affirmed by Public Officer Nicholas Bradshaw). • 403 Nash Road — order: repair within 60 days (ordered by Public Officer Nicholas Bradshaw); unpaid mowing invoices noted. • 209 South Castle Street — approved prior boarding charges and affirmed corrective-action costs (property subsequently demolished). • 1905 Riverside Drive — approved boarding charges and affirmed corrective-action costs.

The public officer recorded that the city may place liens for corrective-action costs and that property owners who need additional time may apply for extensions; in several cases staff said they were willing to work with owners or heirs if progress toward rehabilitation is evident.