Spartanburg residents rally to preserve Downtown Clock Tower amid relocation concerns

The Spartanburg City Council meeting held on July 14, 2025, focused primarily on the future of the Downtown Clock Tower, a significant historical landmark in the community. The meeting featured several residents voicing their concerns and support for the clock tower, emphasizing its importance to Spartanburg's heritage.

The session began with a resident from Woodruff, who presented a petition signed by 1,452 individuals opposing any plans to move or relocate the clock tower. She urged the council to consider the South Carolina Heritage Act in their decision-making process, highlighting the community's financial contributions to the clock's establishment and advocating for a public vote on the matter.

Following her, Tony Eubanks, a local resident, echoed similar sentiments, recalling how the community came together to raise funds for the clock tower in the past. He referenced a previous statement from Councilman Fulmer, who expressed support for keeping the clock tower in its current location, and noted its presence in local advertisements, reinforcing its status as a community symbol.

Wesley Stoddard, a lifelong Spartanburg resident and former city attorney, shared personal anecdotes about the clock tower's history, including its dedication in 1976 by his father, who was mayor at the time. He emphasized the clock tower's uniqueness and its role as an iconic representation of Spartanburg, urging the council to preserve it.

Don Bramlett also contributed to the discussion, recalling the clock tower's origins and the community effort that saved it from being discarded. He provided insights into the maintenance challenges faced by the clock tower, particularly regarding its four faces, and reiterated the collective memory and significance it holds for residents.

The meeting concluded with a clear consensus among the speakers advocating for the preservation of the Downtown Clock Tower, reflecting a strong community attachment to this historical landmark. The council members acknowledged the residents' concerns and expressed their commitment to further discussions on the matter, ensuring that community voices will be considered in any future decisions regarding the clock tower's fate.