Salisbury Removes Historic Clock Tower for Storage

The iconic clock at Main and Innes streets is being preserved during upcoming streetscape construction work.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in City Hall

Ornate iron clock tower base on a brick plaza, representing the historic city landmark currently in storage. — The city of Salisbury has relocated its downtown clock tower to a storage facility to protect the historic landmark during upcoming streetscape construction projects. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel downtown renovation projects generally improve the character of your local community?

The Salisbury public works team has removed the city’s downtown clock tower to protect it during the South Main Street streetscape project. The structure remains intact and operational while it is held in a city warehouse.

Why it matters

The relocation serves to avoid the risk of multiple moves while major infrastructure improvements are underway in the downtown area. By storing the clock now, the city ensures its preservation for future reinstallation.

The clock tower previously stood on the southwest corner of Main Street and Innes Street. It remains in a city warehouse, awaiting reinstallation once the South Main Street streetscape project concludes.

The players

Salisbury Public Works

This municipal department manages the city's infrastructure, including the maintenance and removal of public installations.

Historic Salisbury Foundation

This organization focuses on the preservation of local historical landmarks and properties within the city.

The details

City crews utilized specialized equipment on October 15 to safely dismantle and transport the tower to a storage facility. The move follows the 2025 purchase of the 100 South Main building by the Historic Salisbury Foundation, which prompted planning for the surrounding area's revitalization.

December 2025: The Historic Salisbury Foundation purchased the building at 100 South Main.
October 15, 2026: The Salisbury public works team removed the clock tower.

Political Context

The removal of the clock tower aligns with the requirements of the South Main Street streetscape project. This public work is being met with scrutiny from local stakeholders concerned about the temporary aesthetic impact of the project on downtown Salisbury.

Residents and downtown visitors should expect the southwest corner of Main and Innes streets to remain empty until the streetscape construction ends. The clock is safe, and city officials plan to return it to the sidewalk once the work is finalized.

The takeaway

The city has opted to prioritize the preservation of the clock by placing it in secure storage rather than leaving it in an active construction zone. This proactive approach ensures the landmark stays intact for future public enjoyment after the street improvements are complete.