Serenity Towers high-rise “poses a health hazard” to its elderly residents, according to a code enforcement report released Tuesday, June 14, on inspections of apartments Monday by the city Public Works Division.

The report was submitted to Shelby County General Sessions Environmental Court Judge Patrick Dandridge for a hearing scheduled Tuesday on complaints that the high-rise at 400 S. Highland St. is without air conditioning and hot water as well as has problems with insects and mold.

Code enforcement inspectors return to senior citizens high-rise

The city inspected 104 of the 240 occupied units earlier this month. The remaining units were inspected Monday, June 13.

The inspectors found more units Monday with no working air conditioners and hot water than they did units with both.

A total of 38 units had no air conditioning Monday. City and health officials have warned of the danger of being without air conditioning with temperatures this week in the mid- to high-90s.

According to the report, 36 units did not have working hot water and 53 had some form of mold. Bed bugs were found in 50 units.

“Overall condition of the property is very poor,” the report concluded. “The building is extremely hot and poses a health hazard to the residents. We observed ceiling tiles damaged in the lobby area due to leaks. … There is an unsanitary mildew-like smell in lobby area.”