One of the most visible and controversial landmarks in York County (outside of Silfab) may soon disappear from the skyline.
York County Councilwoman Debi Cloninger just announced that MorningStar Ministries has completed the first assessment phase of the long-discussed “tower removal project” for the unfinished 21-story Heritage Tower. Cloninger described the update as “MORE good news,” stating that further discussions with the county are underway and “things are trending in the right direction.”
The development marks the most significant progress in years toward resolving one of Fort Mill’s longest-running eyesores.
A Symbol of Scandal and Broken Dreams
The tower was originally conceived in the 1980s as part of Heritage USA, the massive Christian-themed resort and theme park built by televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker.
At its peak, Heritage USA attracted millions of visitors annually and was one of the top religious tourism destinations in the country.
Construction on the luxury hotel tower began in the mid-1980s but came to a sudden halt in 1987 amid the explosive PTL Club scandal. Jim Bakker was later convicted of fraud and served prison time, leading to the ministry’s financial collapse and bankruptcy. The tower has stood unfinished and decaying ever since, visible for miles along I-77.
MorningStar Ministries purchased much of the former Heritage USA property in 2004 and spent years promising various redevelopment plans — including completing the tower as residential units, a conference center, or other facilities. Despite multiple announcements, none of those plans materialized.
In late 2024, after more than a decade of legal battles, York County and MorningStar reached a settlement that gave the ministry 18 months to submit building permits proving the tower could be brought up to current codes. If they failed to do so, demolition would be required.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
For many longtime residents, the news is long overdue. The deteriorating structure has drawn criticism for safety concerns, falling bricks, and its status as a constant reminder of unfulfilled promises.
While no official demolition timeline has been released, Cloninger’s update has generated optimism that the tower’s days are finally numbered. MorningStar Ministries is expected to bear the cost of removal.
Speculation is already growing about what could replace the tower, with some unconfirmed reports suggesting MorningStar may be exploring a large senior living development on adjacent property.
The removal of the Heritage Tower would close one of the most dramatic chapters in modern Charlotte-area religious and real estate history — and allow Fort Mill to finally turn the page on a landmark that has loomed over the community for nearly four decades.
