News Summary
The Spartanburg City Council has reached a settlement regarding the downtown clock tower’s future. This agreement with the ‘Support the Spartanburg Clock Tower’ group allows for the tower’s relocation and ensures the preservation of its historical elements. Council discussions indicated a focus on public input for the new site, which aims to maintain the clock tower’s significance amidst ongoing urban development projects in Spartanburg.
Spartanburg City Council approved a settlement on October 13 to resolve a conflict regarding the future of the downtown clock tower. The agreement was reached with the group “Support the Spartanburg Clock Tower” following a legal dispute concerning the clock tower’s relocation. The settlement marks a significant step towards preserving the historical elements of the clock tower while enabling its move to a new location.
The city manager, Chris Story, and attorney Bob Coler finalized the settlement on October 8 to address the concerns that arose regarding the tower’s removal during a recent court hearing. The clock tower, currently positioned on West Main Street, is set to be largely disassembled before being reconstructed at a new site deemed more suitable.
The City Council highlighted the importance of public input concerning the new location for the clock tower; however, they chose not to form an advisory committee or engage in a prolonged decision-making process. Council member Meghan Smith indicated a preference for the tower’s new site to be on public property. A court hearing on October 6 was held in front of Circuit Judge Mark Hayes to determine whether the clock tower is protected under the South Carolina Heritage Act. The plaintiffs contended that fundraising from the clock tower warranted its classification as a Revolutionary War monument, which would limit its relocation under the Heritage Act.
Coler noted that the plaque at the clock tower’s base does not reference the Revolutionary War, which might indicate it does not qualify for protections under the Heritage Act. Historically, the clock and bell were part of the city’s first government building in the 19th century before being relocated to the courthouse.
Planned designs for a new city-county government complex will include a clock tower at the front of the new facility, with construction scheduled to begin soon. The City Council approved the dismantling and relocation of the tower’s components to the new building with a 4-2 vote. Previously, the Support the Spartanburg Clock Tower group filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary injunction against the city’s plans, which could have led to a trial if left unresolved.
Following the hearing, the parties involved engaged in negotiations and ultimately reached a settlement that considers the interests of all stakeholders. Currently, the clock tower stands between the westbound and eastbound lanes of West Main Street on a small island, and nearby development—including a hotel and office space under Project Core—is about to commence, marking the largest development initiative in Spartanburg’s history.
Kimberly Branch, the leader of the Support the Spartanburg Clock Tower group, regarded the settlement as a resounding victory. Council member Jamie Fulmer expressed optimism regarding the future of the clock tower and emphasized its importance in relation to Project Core. The settlement ensures the preservation of several historical aspects of the clock tower, including its bricks, clock, bell, mechanics, plaque, and peak.
A new location for the clock tower will be determined based on public input and the options available to the City Council. Mayor Jerome Rice expressed gratitude to all parties involved for their contributions to the resolution process. This agreement not only provides clarity on the statue’s future but also acknowledges the community’s wishes to keep a piece of their history intact amidst urban development.
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Additional Resources
- GoUpstate: Spartanburg City Council Approves Clock Tower Settlement
- Wikipedia: Clock Tower
- Fox Carolina: Settlement Saves Historical Elements of Spartanburg Clock Tower
- Google Search: Spartanburg Clock Tower
- WYFF4: Spartanburg Historic Clock Tower Lawsuit Settled
- Google Scholar: Spartanburg Clock Tower
- WSPA: Settlement in Fight Over Spartanburg Clock Tower
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg Clock Tower
- Greenville Online: Downtown Spartanburg Clock Tower Relocation
- Google News: Spartanburg Clock Tower Settlement
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.
