Hotel Nan-Ces-O-Wee

In the early days of Sebring, when palm-lined streets circled Lake Jackson and the promise of Florida sunshine drew travelers from across the country, one hotel stood as a beacon of hospitality and charm, the Hotel Nan-Ces-O-Wee. With its slogan, “Five dollars a day. No sunshine, no charge,” the hotel captured both the optimism and the wit of a growing Central Florida town in the 1920s.

A Grand Opening in 1923

Built in 1923, the Hotel Nan-Ces-O-Wee quickly became one of downtown Sebring’s most notable landmarks. Its elegant architecture and ideal location on North Ridgewood Drive made it a favorite for visitors seeking comfort, class, and that famous Sebring sunshine.

The hotel’s slogan perfectly reflected the spirit of the times. Travelers arrived by train or automobile, eager to experience Florida’s warmth during the winter months, and the Nan-Ces-O-Wee offered them a stylish stay in the heart of the city.

With its open-air balconies, dining room, and proximity to Sebring’s bustling Circle, the hotel was more than a place to sleep, it was a social hub. Visitors mingled with locals, dined under the glow of lamplight, and watched the growing town of Sebring come to life around them.

Archival image or postcard of Hotel Nan-Ces-O-Wee, 1920s.
Location: 139 N. Ridgewood Drive, downtown Sebring.

A Landmark Through the Decades

Through the mid-20th century, the Nan-Ces-O-Wee remained a part of Sebring’s downtown identity. Its walls witnessed the rise of the automobile age, the excitement of the nearby airfield turned racetrack, and the changing rhythms of small town Florida life.

But like many historic hotels, time took its toll. Despite several attempts at renovation, the aging structure faced ongoing challenges. Its foundation weakened, its interior decayed, and by the early 2000s, the once-grand hotel had become a shadow of its former self.

Still, for many residents, the building stood as a memory, a reminder of Sebring’s earliest years and the city’s golden age of development.

Photo suggestion: 1970s–1990s photo of the hotel showing its aged but historic charm.

Demolition and the End of an Era

In late 2020, after years of decline and safety concerns, the Hotel Nan-Ces-O-Wee was demolished. Structural engineers determined the building was unsafe, and despite the wishes of preservationists and longtime residents, the city issued a notice to the owner to remove it.

The demolition marked the end of nearly a century of history, a bittersweet farewell to one of downtown Sebring’s most recognizable structures. Today, the site where the hotel once stood is an open lot, empty but full of potential.

Photo suggestion: Image of the hotel during demolition, 2020.

A New Chapter: The Future of the Site

The property at 139 N. Ridgewood Drive is now under the care of the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which has been seeking new proposals to breathe life back into the space.