News Summary
The Spartanburg City Council is debating the fate of the historical clock tower as plans for a new hotel and office building on West Main Street progress. Council members are evaluating options that include leaving the clock tower in place, relocating it, or dismantling it for display in a new government complex. While some members support relocation to enable development, other residents and officials advocate for its preservation. Further discussions are scheduled as community sentiment is divided over this landmark’s significance and future.
Spartanburg City Council is currently considering the future of the downtown clock tower as construction of a new hotel and office building on West Main Street approaches. With construction set to begin in October, three primary options for the clock tower are under review: leaving it in its current location, relocating it, or dismantling it to display its historical components within the new city-county joint government complex.
During a meeting held on August 25, council members indicated a preference for removing the clock tower to facilitate the planned developments. This proposal, presented by City Manager Chris Story, included the idea of displaying the clock in the new complex, but council members did not reach a consensus on this point. They have asked Story to investigate possible relocation sites and provide estimated costs for those options, with further discussions anticipated during the council’s meeting on September 22.
Council member Erica Brown has voiced her desire to preserve the clock tower in its current form, underscoring its importance to the city of Spartanburg’s identity. Story also showcased architectural designs for the new government complex, which feature a clock tower, referencing the historical clock tower that stood in the town’s original government building dating back to the late 1800s.
While some members of the community have expressed their support for relocating the clock tower, opposition to its removal is significant. Kimberly Branch, a local resident, has spearheaded a Change.org petition that has garnered over 2,400 signatures urging against the tower’s relocation. Dinie Koller, a business owner in the area, has also expressed support for keeping the clock tower in its existing location, noting its unique contribution to Spartanburg’s character.
City planners and the Johnson Group, tasked with developing the new hotel, have indicated that the current site of the clock tower may not be ideal for future economic growth. In response, various community members have suggested alternative locations for the tower, including Morgan Square, the southwest corner of Church and St. John Street, and the proposed grounds of the new Spartanburg County Courthouse.
Mayor Jerome Rice has emphasized his openness to multiple options regarding the clock tower’s fate but seeks additional information before final decisions are made. Longtime Spartanburg resident Don Bramblett, who initially opposed the idea of relocating the clock tower, has shown a shift in perspective, indicating potential support for a display in the new government complex after reviewing city presentations on the matter.
The clock tower has historical significance in Spartanburg, having been funded partly through donations from schoolchildren in the 1970s, with the original clock and bell dating back to 1881. However, the structure has faced maintenance challenges, and the clock itself is currently not functioning properly. Meanwhile, the ongoing developments aim to enhance the area surrounding the new hotel and office spaces, which may overshadow the historic clock tower.
Council member Jamie Fulmer remains hopeful that a resolution can be found to preserve the tower’s legacy and its connection to Spartanburg’s bicentennial history. Public sentiment regarding the clock tower is strong, with many residents expressing pride in its historical significance and a desire to maintain its presence and legacy within the community.
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Additional Resources
- Goupstate: Decision on Clock Tower Looming for Spartanburg City Council Members
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg, South Carolina
- Greenville Online: What Will Become of Spartanburg’s Iconic Clock Tower
- Google Search: Spartanburg Clock Tower
- WSPA: Plan to Move Beloved Spartanburg Clock Tower Faces Public Backlash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Fox Carolina: City Manager Discusses Proposed Clock Tower Changes Spartanburg
- Google News: Spartanburg Clock Tower
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.
