I really shouldn't respond to this whining but I will anyway.
Empty places have served as shops, headquarters, warehouses, etc. for years in-game. It helps with roleplay and with the immersion. If you have a problem with such a thing it better be an IC problem and not a fuss about it like this thread. Now I'm going to regret saying this because I know there will be players who are just going to make it their problem now so they can have some dueling fun.
I don't think I was involved directly in this issue but I am involved in it, one of my characters is at least. And I can assure you that there is no policy to kill people for entering Imperial Grounds. People are requested to leave unless they have an appointment and in case of roleplayers we might attempt to remove them forcefully if they seem to be out for trouble. The Imperial Guard does not kill unless ordered to or threatened with their own lives.
Non-roleplayers are usually ignored and without doubt the violent results of this OOC and completely out of place complaint, which is bound to draw hotshots and duel fanatics like flies to honey, will also be ignored. Good roleplay will be welcomed very much.

P.S.: The location is selected so that it does not contain any NPC's or anything else anyone might need. It are just a few houses with no value whatsoever .. however the place is shared with one or two other guilds as well but this has been agreed on by both sides and is respected.