This famous landmark in Chattanooga was originally constructed as a private residence for Billy Hull, a prominent figure in the strip-club industry, back in 1972.
The excitement surrounding this extravagant mansion, which took a whopping 14 months to build, resulted in nearly 10,000 people attending the housewarming party, as reported by Abandoned Southeast.
Spanning over 5,600 square feet, the house boasted three bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and was specifically designed to host extravagant parties. Its most notable feature was the distinctive Playboy Bunny-shaped pool, complete with swim tunnels leading to separate bedrooms. Encircled by vibrant palm trees, the pool served as the centerpiece of the home, captivating anyone who entered.
The hallways and bathrooms were adorned with floor-to-ceiling marble, while some rooms displayed palm matting, bamboo with a Tiki-style vibe, and mounted animal heads. Towards the rear of the house, there was a fully equipped marble bar, surrounded by mirrored walls that extended into the outdoors. The patio area featured a 12-person Jacuzzi, a copper bar, and a spacious sauna.
However, what initially began as a dream residence for Billy Hull soon turned into a nightmare. On May 3, 1973, a tragic incident occurred when his friend Larry Parker fatally shot Roland Hargis as he was leaving the Tradewinds Night Club. Hargis happened to be Gloria Hull’s lover, Billy’s wife.
Billy Hull was convicted of hiring someone to commit murder and was subsequently sentenced to 20 years in prison. During the 1980s, he faced financial ruin, ultimately declaring bankruptcy due to charges of tax evasion while still incarcerated, as revealed in court records.
In 2008, Billy Hull passed away from cancer. Following his death, a few family members briefly occupied the home before it was eventually abandoned. In 2014, the property was put up for sale, but by 2015, it had suffered extensive vandalism and was forced into foreclosure. Eventually, the government seized the property due to unpaid taxes.
