Memphis Weighs Demolition Bids for Serenity Towers Site
Officials are reviewing bids to clear the vacant high-rise as they monitor ongoing brick facade deterioration.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Commercial
Live Poll
Should local governments use taxpayer funds to demolish long-vacant properties that remain unsold?
Memphis officials recently reviewed two bids for the demolition of the vacant Serenity Towers property on Highland. The high-rise, which sits near the University of Memphis campus, has remained empty since 145 residents moved out over a year ago.
Why it matters
The site currently presents an ongoing environmental concern due to brick facade deterioration. Officials are weighing demolition costs against ongoing efforts to market the property for potential redevelopment.
The city received two demolition bids ranging from $4.5 million to $6.5 million for the 1965-built property. Officials plan to secure an updated property appraisal by December 8.
The players
City of Memphis
The local municipal government managing legal oversight and environmental court proceedings for the property.
HUD
The federal agency responsible for overseeing Housing Assistance Payment contracts that may affect the site's status.
The details
The site requires specialized demolition services because the city public works department lacks the necessary equipment for high-rise structures. The property is currently fenced and under police surveillance to manage safety risks posed by the crumbling brick facade. Legal oversight through environmental court proceedings manages the status of the building as the city explores future options.
Timeline
1965: Construction of the Serenity Towers dormitory.
October 2025: All 145 residents vacated the property.
February 2026: The city listed the high-rise for sale.
December 8, 2026: Parties are scheduled to return to court for case updates.
The Home Front
The situation follows a pattern seen in other aging urban housing sites managed under HUD Housing Assistance Payment contract protocols. Cities often face complex transitions when decades-old properties, originally built as dorms in 1965, no longer meet modern safety or density requirements.
Nearby residents should be aware that the site remains under active police surveillance and fencing due to ongoing facade deterioration. If you observe unauthorized access or further structural degradation at the Highland property, report it to local non-emergency city services.
The takeaway
The city is currently weighing the cost of demolition against the viability of potential redevelopment for the vacant site. Residents can track further developments when parties return to environmental court on December 8, 2026.
What happens next
City officials are scheduled to receive an updated property appraisal and demolition estimates by December 8, 2026.
Further reading
For updates on local real estate developments, visit the Memphis Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Channel 3 WREG-TV Memphis.
Live Poll
Should local governments use taxpayer funds to demolish long-vacant properties that remain unsold?
