News Summary
The Morgan Square building, built in 1882 in Spartanburg, has a rich yet tragic history. Originally a bookstore, it now serves as a bustling Starbucks, attracting both coffee enthusiasts and history buffs. Infamous for the murder of its first owner, T.J. Trimmier, the building weaves together tales of commerce and crime, while recent restoration efforts honor its legacy and continue to attract interest from locals and historians alike.
Spartanburg – The historic Morgan Square building, constructed in 1882, has a tumultuous past but now serves as a bustling Starbucks, drawing both coffee lovers and historians alike. Located at 156 W. Main St., this building has witnessed significant events since it was first opened, including the tragic murder of its original owner, T.J. Trimmier, in 1898.
Trimmier, a native of Spartanburg, purchased the property and established a bookstore and printing shop, where he found considerable success. His business was notable for publishing the local newspaper, The Spartanburg Herald. However, the building’s legacy turned dark when Trimmier was shot by local dentist Dr. Sidney Bivings. This shocking crime followed an altercation regarding remarks made about Bivings’ wife, leading to a murder that gained national attention and was even covered by The New York Times. Bivings not only killed Trimmier but also wounded Trimmier’s son during the incident. After the trial, Bivings died in his jail cell, marking a grim chapter in the building’s history.
In addition to its tragic past, the Morgan Square building has adapted over the years, housing a myriad of businesses including drugstores, loan companies, a housekeeping shop, an architecture firm, and a women’s clothing store. Its original structure has remained a humble yet significant presence in Morgan Square, albeit barely visible in the earliest known photograph of the square from 1884, known as the “sales day picture.” This photograph captures a time when Spartanburg was still developing into a recognizable town, with the only landmark being the Daniel Morgan monument.
Brad Steinecke, who serves as the assistant director of local history at Spartanburg County Public Libraries, highlights the importance of the building and the photograph, indicating they represent a crucial period in the growth of Spartanburg. The restoration of the site into a Starbucks not only preserves its historical value but also contributes to the modern landscape of the city.
Beyond its former purpose and the somber history of murder, the building tells the story of evolving commerce in Spartanburg. T.J. Trimmier’s pioneering business helped establish a community hub, where locals could gather, shop, and stay informed through the newspaper he published. The continued use of the space as a coffee shop today symbolizes a blending of past and present, drawing a diverse crowd to an area steeped in history.
In recent years, the Morgan Square building has been the subject of renewed interest among locals and historians. An upcoming book titled “A Carnival of Crime: Murder, Mischief and Malice in 1890s Spartanburg”, authored by Betsy Teter, aims to further explore the colorful yet dark history surrounding the building and the crime that took place within its walls.
As the Starbucks at Morgan Square continues to attract visitors, it serves as a reminder of both the city’s rich history and its dynamic transformation over time. Each cup of coffee brewed within the historic building carries with it echoes of the past, beckoning locals and tourists to appreciate not just the flavor but the story behind the walls.
Recent photographs taken in August of 2025 show the building standing proud in the community it helped shape. This mix of history and modernity offers an inviting space for all, symbolizing resilience and ongoing evolution in the heart of Spartanburg.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Spartanburg High School Introduces Innovative Class Schedule
Spartanburg City Council Delays Morgan Square Redevelopment
Spartanburg Clock Tower Faces Potential Relocation
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Spartanburg to Redesign Morgan Square, Clock Tower Relocation Uncertain
Morgan Square Redesign Raises Clock Tower Debate in Spartanburg
Spartanburg Downtown Set for Major Transformation
Spartanburg’s $75 Million Development Project Comes to a Halt
East Main Street Development in Spartanburg Faces Crisis
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Oldest Building Spartanburg
- Wikipedia: Morgan Square
- GoUpstate: Morgan Square Clock Tower Futures
- Google Search: Morgan Square Spartanburg
- Fox Carolina: Proposed Clock Tower Changes Spartanburg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg
- WSPA: Downtown Spartanburg Revitalization Plans Delayed
- Google News: Spartanburg History
- GoUpstate: Status of Morgan Square Redesign
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
