Billy Hull, a prominent club owner in Chattanooga, Tennessee, dreamed of creating a home that would surpass all others. Positioned atop Missionary Ridge with panoramic views of the city below, the concept for what would later be known as the Swinger’s Tiki Palace was conceived. Over two years of meticulous planning, architect Ed Ball was entrusted with turning this vision into reality, aiming to craft the most remarkable residence in all of Tennessee.
Excitement surged as construction commenced, and after fourteen months of dedicated craftsmanship, the magnificent 5,600 square-foot home was unveiled. Featuring three bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a sprawling indoor pool, and even a helipad, the Swinger’s Tiki Palace epitomized modern luxury and grandeur.
In 1972, the grand opening of the palace captivated the community, attracting nearly 10,000 visitors to its open house event. Amidst the breathtaking architecture and extravagant amenities, the Swinger’s Tiki Palace served as a testament to Billy Hull’s ambitious vision and Ed Ball’s architectural brilliance, leaving an enduring mark on Tennessee’s landscape.
Billy and Gloria Hull‘s journey began in 1951 when they exchanged vows as high school juniors. While still in school, Gloria balanced her studies with a job on the second shift at Chattanooga Glass Company. After graduation, Billy briefly worked at Peerless Woolen Mills before pursuing higher education at Tennessee Tech. Graduating in 1958 or 1959, he returned to Rossville, Georgia, finding employment at Muller Company.
Their first child arrived in 1958, and Gloria continued to work, initially at Riviera Carpet Mill and later at Concrete Forms, managing motherhood alongside her career. In 1967, Billy ventured into entrepreneurship, opening The Castaways Club and the Lion’s Den while still working at the foundry. Eventually, the clubs became their primary focus, with Gloria assuming the role of evening cashier and handling administrative duties during the day.
Tragedy struck on May 1, 1973, when a fatal shooting involving Gloria’s boyfriend occurred outside a Chattanooga nightclub. Billy, purportedly involved in the incident, was convicted of murder-for-hire and sentenced to 20 years in prison, a verdict upheld by the Tennessee Supreme Court in later years.
During his trial, Billy confessed to his involvement in his grandmother’s bootlegging enterprise, providing details about burying whiskey and aiding in its operations. He claimed significant earnings from this endeavor in an attempt to justify his lifestyle to the IRS.
In 1976, allegations of corruption arose within the Chattanooga police department and city attorney’s office, implicating individuals linked to Billy Hull. However, a subsequent investigation failed to yield charges due to insufficient evidence.
Billy encountered further legal troubles, including an arson accusation in 1977, of which he was acquitted, and accusations of tax evasion during his incarceration, resulting in bankruptcy.
Life post-release proved challenging for Billy, and the status of his marriage with Gloria remains unclear. Billy passed away in 1989, leaving Gloria to navigate life alone, now in her 80s and residing near Chattanooga.
The legacy of the Swinger’s Tiki Palace, once their dream residence, took a dark turn. Over time, it changed hands multiple times before falling into disrepair and eventual condemnation by the City of Chattanooga in 2017, marking the conclusion of an era for the Hull family and their extravagant vision.
Photo Credits to Abandoned Southeast.
