News Summary
The Spartanburg City Council voted to demolish the historic Morgan Square clock tower, sparking community protests over its importance to local identity. With plans for redevelopment including a minor league stadium, many residents rallied against the decision, citing the clock tower’s significance as a symbol of Spartanburg’s heritage. Despite strong opposition and a petition with nearly 3,000 signatures, the council moved forward, indicating that restoration costs were prohibitive. The decision raises questions about the balance between modernization and historic preservation in urban development.
Spartanburg – The Spartanburg City Council voted 4-2 on September 22, 2025, to demolish the iconic Morgan Square clock tower, a structure that has been a fixture in downtown Spartanburg for over 40 years. The decision is part of a larger transformation of the area, which also includes plans for a minor league baseball stadium and a new hotel at the former site of the Herald-Journal building.
The clock tower’s removal follows a lengthy debate within the community, marked by significant opposition. Many residents expressed their concerns at the council meeting, emphasizing the tower’s importance to Spartanburg’s local identity and heritage. An online petition against the demolition garnered nearly 3,000 signatures, reflecting the strong sentiments held by those who see the clock tower as a vital element of the city’s skyline.
During the council meeting, council members Jamie Fuller and Erica Brown voted against the demolition, advocating for preservation over development. Several individuals compared the clock tower to London’s Big Ben, arguing that such landmarks should remain as enduring examples of the community’s charm and history. The current tower structure, which has been repositioned several times, has occupied its present location since 1989. The clock itself has a rich history, dating back to 1881 when it was first housed in the Spartanburg Opera House.
City officials have indicated that moving or restoring the clock tower would cost between $850,000 to $900,000, a figure they deemed prohibitive. Instead, plans are in motion to display parts of the clock tower, including the clock and bell, at the new city-county government complex. However, community members have criticized this plan due to limited access during business hours, raising questions about the accessibility of such a historical artifact.
As construction for the new government complex is set to begin in October 2025 as part of the Project Core redevelopment initiative, the city plans to incorporate a new design for a clock tower at the joint facility. Some council members have voiced their opinions that having two clock towers in close proximity may diminish the significance of each structure. Councilmember Ruth Littlejohn expressed a need for change, while Brown insisted on the importance of preserving local history.
The clock tower, once a cherished icon of downtown Spartanburg, finds itself at the center of a contentious issue as the city moves forward with development plans that aim to modernize the area. The decision reflects a broader trend in urban redevelopment, where community values and historical preservation often clash with economic growth strategies.
As the community grapples with the loss of the clock tower, it raises critical questions about identity, heritage, and the future of Spartanburg as a vibrant metropolitan area. The decision has galvanized a portion of the community to advocate for the preservation of their historical symbols amid rapid change.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4
- Google Search: Spartanburg city council
- Fox Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Spartanburg clock tower
- Greenville Online
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.
