MEMPHIS, Tenn. — After years of unsustainable living conditions and numerous court dates, Serenity Towers will be closing on May 22.

City of Memphis Special Attorney Carlissa Shaw says the closure comes after a decade of code violations and complaints.

“This city is in desperate need of affordable housing, but what it can’t look like is people who live with pest infestations, people who live with bed bugs, people who don’t have hot water or heating and air conditioning. It won’t look like that ever again,” said Carlissa Shaw, Special Attorney.

In the Environmental Court on Thursday, it was revealed that 102 tenants remain, but most are expected to move out by next week. 

However, despite being given a 30-day notice, some are still searching for their new home. 

“It’s a logistical challenge more than anything else, finding the appropriate alternative housing that is affordable,” said Will Gibbons, City of Memphis Code Enforcement Prosecutor.

Shaw and Code Enforcement Prosecutor Will Gibbons say all residents must be out by the closure date of May 22.

If anyone is still living on the property after that day, Shaw says the city will use “legal mechanisms” to remove them.

However, she says they have been working with tenants to ensure they receive the appropriate assistance they need to relocate.

“We recognize that there are some challenging situations, including hospitalizations or people who may be suffering from mental health issues. We have called in social services,” said Shaw.

After the building is vacated, the city will begin the process of selling the property. Shaw says a motion to sell has already been filed and will be heard in courton July 1. 

She says she has already been contacted by interested parties. The next court date is May 29th.