Public officer affirms emergency condemnation for Magnolia property after city presents nightclub evidence

Nicholas Bradshaw, the city's public officer, affirmed an emergency condemnation order for 2412 East Magnolia Avenue on Sept. 25, 2026 after city police, fire and building staff presented evidence that the single-family residence had been used as an unpermitted nightclub. "I affirm the finding that the structure at 2412 East Magnolia Avenue is out of compliance with the codes of the city of Knoxville, an attractive nuisance, and is dangerous and injurious to the health and safety of the occupants or public," Bradshaw said.

KPD Captain Nevin Long told the hearing that interior photos and on-site observations showed bar fixtures, sound and lighting systems, a dancing platform and other nightclub features and that operations drew large crowds. "It was set up as a nightclub" and, on busy nights, "crowds were at least 100 plus people in the parking lot area," Long said, citing police reports and social-media advertisements submitted as exhibits. Fire-department representative Kevin Bost described earlier pre-submittal meetings with the operator and said submitted plans were rejected because the building could not meet assembly egress and sprinkler requirements.

Zoning and building-inspections director Peter Erenss noted the applicant's business-tax filing listing "Lounges, taverns, and bars" for the 2412 address and said a conversion to assembly use would require a special-use approval that was never obtained. The city's packet included repeated notices of violation and criminal-activity reports dating to 2024 and social-media event ads through early 2026.

Troy Jones, attorney for the trust that holds the property, said he represented the owner and asked for a stay while chancery-court title issues are resolved, but he also said the owner is amenable to condemnation. Bradshaw affirmed the emergency order and said that, if the owner fails to take corrective action, the structure could remain placarded, be demolished, or otherwise be subject to corrective action with costs assessed against the property. The hearing record shows city staff will proceed with enforcement steps outlined in the code.