Fort Mill Reaches Settlement on Long-Standing Heritage Tower Dispute

Fort Mill Settles Dispute Over Unfinished Heritage Tower

Fort Mill, South Carolina – York County and Morningstar Fellowship Church have finally reached a settlement regarding the long-standing legal conflicts over the Heritage Tower, the tallest unfinished building in the county. This resolution ends more than a decade of disputes concerning the fate of the 21-story structure, which has remained incomplete for almost 40 years.

What Led to the Settlement?

The legal battles over the Heritage Tower have been contentious since 2013. Disagreements between the church and the county included whether the building should be completed or demolished. Additionally, the church alleged violations of religious freedom during these disputes. The recent agreement concludes all lawsuits currently pending in state and federal courts.

Details of the Agreement

As part of the settlement, MorningStar Fellowship Church has gained the ability to apply for building permits to complete the Heritage Tower. However, strict deadlines are imposed. The church has 18 months to apply for a permit. If it fails to do so within this timeframe, the agreement stipulates that the tower will be demolished within nine months after the deadline.

According to court documents, the tower is situated just south of the North Carolina state line in Fort Mill. Originally constructed in 1986 by Praise The Lord Ministries, led by Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, the building’s construction halted in 1987 due to the ministry’s bankruptcy. MorningStar acquired the property nearly two decades ago, but since then, it has remained an unfinished eyesore.

The Public Response

The unfinished tower has sparked differing opinions among the local community. While some residents rallied for its demolition, claiming it negatively impacted property values, others advocated for its restoration. Despite exterior work being finished, the interior of the tower remains incomplete, with visible concrete and brickwork. Public sentiments have stirred up debates regarding the tower’s future for over a decade.

Future Steps for MorningStar

MorningStar now has until mid-2026 to file their building permit application to proceed with completing the tower. Once a permit is acquired, it will be valid for 180 days, with allowances for five extensions if needed. However, if the permit expires without renewal, the church will be required to demolish the structure.

While community members are eager for progress, it remains unclear when the church will take the next steps with county officials. A joint release from the church and York County indicates that no further comments will be made beyond their written statement regarding the settlement.

Conclusion

The agreement allows both sides to move forward, ending years of legal battles surrounding a significant local structure. As Fort Mill faces this new chapter with the Heritage Tower, residents hope for updates that will eventually either revitalize the tower into a productive asset or finally see it removed from the skyline.