Legal Showdown Halts Work on Spartanburg Clock Tower in Morgan Square

Work crews in downtown Spartanburg came to a sudden halt around the iconic clock tower in Morgan Square.

The pause came shortly after Spartanburg City Council was named in a lawsuit filed by local resident Kimberly Branch.

The legal challenge sent shockwaves through the community, accusing city leaders of violating the state's powerful Heritage Act.

Branch is seeking an injunction to block the planned demolition of the tower, a structure that has defined the city's skyline since 1979.

While the city claims the work stoppage was unrelated to the lawsuit, the timing has raised eyebrows across Spartanburg County.

A spokesperson clarified that crews were only removing key elements like the bell and clockworks for preservation, not beginning the full demolition.

The tower itself holds a clock mechanism dating back to 1881 and features a plaque engraved with the names of 20,000 schoolchildren who helped fund its construction.

This clash pits historical preservation directly against ambitious urban development.

The land surrounding the tower is slated for a major redevelopment project by the Johnson Group, with plans for new apartments, a hotel, and office space.

City officials argue a new clock tower will be part of a joint city-county government complex nearby and that two towers in such close proximity are unnecessary.

The decision to tear it down was not unanimous, with the City Council voting 4-2 to proceed.

Councilmembers Erica Brown and Jamie Fulmer cast the dissenting votes, reflecting a deep division within the community itself.

Branch's lawsuit argues the clock tower falls within the Spartanburg Historic District and is therefore protected.

The dispute even drew the attention of state officials, including Senator Shane Martin, who sought an opinion from the S.C. Attorney General's Office.

An Assistant Attorney General responded that if the tower is protected under the Act, only the General Assembly has the authority to remove those protections.

The entire controversy leaves the fate of the beloved landmark hanging in the balance.

For now, the Spartanburg Clock Tower stands as a silent monument at the center of a legal and emotional firestorm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Spartanburg Clock Tower being torn down?

The city plans to redevelop Morgan Square with a project from the Johnson Group. Officials also plan for a new clock tower at a future government complex and do not want two in the same area.

Who is Kimberly Branch?

Kimberly Branch is a Spartanburg resident who filed a lawsuit against the city to stop the clock tower's demolition, claiming it violates South Carolina's Heritage Act.

What is the Heritage Act?

The Heritage Act is a South Carolina state law that provides protection for certain historical monuments and memorials, stating that only the state's General Assembly can authorize their removal or alteration.