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Highlands Today

BREAKING NEWS: Nan-Ces-O-Wee Has A New Owner

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By MANDY SHEETS | Highlands Today

Published: October 3, 2007

SEBRING — The Nan-Ces-O-Wee Hotel has a new owner, who has plans to revitalize it into a vibrant part of downtown.

Jhonson Napoleon, owner of Napoleon Real Estate in Miami, closed Friday on the hotel, located at 139 N. Ridgewood Dr.

"I want to make the hotel into a project that will make the city of Sebring proud," Napoleon said.
He is already working with an architectural firm in Lakeland on plans for condominiums on the upper floors and a restaurant on the ground level.

As far as specific plans, Napoleon wants to launch a Web site to ask for input from the community.
"I want to know what size condos the community would like to see and what type of restaurant they want to eat at," he said.

Residential development has been a goal of the Community Redevelopment Agency, because it would likely lead to more commercial development and stores staying open later.

"Last time I was in Sebring on a Friday night, downtown was dead, and I would like to find a way to bring life to the area," Napoleon said.

Although he is aware of recent trespassing problems, he said he will soon start cleaning up the site to prepare for construction.

"This building has a lot of potential and has a lot to offer," Napolean said. "From what I understand, it's a building the people of Sebring would really like to see fixed up."

Pete Pollard, executive director of CRA, said the revitalization of the hotel will be great for the downtown community.

"We are very pleased to see the building move into the hands of someone who has expressed interest in making a positive addition to downtown," Pollard said.

Napoleon has been purchasing vacant land in Sebring since 2002 and currently owns 20 lots in Sun 'n Lake and 52 lots in Orange Blossom Estates.

The Nan-Ces-O-Wee has been for sale for at least three years and was condemned for occupancy after Hurricane Jeanne in 2004.

Another historic hotel, Harder Hall, also is scheduled to move toward having a new owner this week.

Sebring Hospitality Group's 30-day due-diligence period ends at 5 p.m. Thursday and City Administrator Bob Hoffman said he has not yet heard anything that would prevent the contract from moving forward. Sebring Hospitality Group will pay an additional $150,000 Thursday and closing will be within 60 days.

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