A beloved but dilapidated 78-year-old former school is a big step closer to redevelopment today, following City Council's unanimous vote Tuesday night to acquire it.

The former South High School, 953 E. Moody Ave., will be purchased from the owner by eminent domain if necessary. The acquisition was recommended by the Abandoned, Blighted and Vacant Properties Committee to eliminate the blighting influence of the building in its current condition, preserve the structure and redevelop it for future use. A recent independent appraisal set the value of the property at $189,000.

"This is a treasured community asset with immense potential for quality redevelopment," said Becky Wade, the City's Director of Community Development. "This school is historically significant, it's iconic, and all of Knoxville is hoping the building will be rehabilitated for the right use in the near future."

Wade said the City will host a public meeting to help determine the best use for the building moving forward and then requests for proposals will be solicited from developers for reuse of the school.

The current owner was the top bidder for the former high school at a 2008 auction. But since purchasing the school, it has remained boarded up, with a leaky roof and overgrown lawn.

City crews have had to mow the property, which has been cited for 19 code violations, and the City also had to have the building stabilized, which resulted in a $30,000 lien against the property. The owner also owes back taxes to the City and Knox County. All passed due taxes and liens will be deducted from any sales proceeds going to the current owner.

At one point, the owner applied for a demolition permit for South High, which drew the ire of historic preservationists. At the urging of Vice Mayor Nick Pavlis, who represents South Knoxville on City Council, Council placed H-1 protective historical zoning on the property, which prohibits demolition without review and approval.

Designed by legendary architect Charles Barber, South High has made the Fragile 15 list of endangered historic properties, compiled by the nonprofit preservation group Knox Heritage.