First National Bank Building (Sebring, Florida)
| Company type | Building |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking (former) |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Defunct | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Sebring , United States |
| Products | Banking services (former) |
The First National Bank Building in Sebring is a three-level structure exemplifying mid-century modern and brutalist architectural styles, situated at 228 North Ridgewood Drive in Sebring, Florida, within Highlands County, Florida.
Erected from 1972 to 1975, the building was the work of William R. Frizzell, a prominent architect from Fort Myers recognized for his contributions to Florida’s mid-century architectural landscape. Following his death in a plane accident in 1978, Frizzell was posthumously honored in 2009 as one of the “125 most influential people in Southwest Florida history.” The AIA FLaSW commemorates his legacy through the W.R. Frizzell Award.
History
The First National Bank of Sebring commissioned this notable building in 1973 on the site previously occupied by the Sebring Tourist Club. As one of the most substantial edifices within the Sebring Downtown Historic District, its mid-century aesthetic and scale stood in stark contrast to the surrounding historic architecture.
Built using reinforced concrete, the structure boasts a semi-circular cantilevered design with floor-to-ceiling glass panels lining the interior curve. A central open loft atrium links the lobby on the ground floor to the second level. Occupying an entire city block, the building includes elevator service extending to the rooftop.
After functioning as a Wachovia Bank branch until its closure in 2010, the property has remained unoccupied.
Future
In May 2018, Sebring’s City Council explored acquiring the building with intentions to convert it into a new City Hall. Ultimately, concerns regarding renovation expenses and the necessity for a new municipal facility led to rejecting the purchase.
By March 2025, plans were announced to transform the second and third floors into an IWG coworking environment, while allocating the first floor for a restaurant and lobby area. This development represents the first instance of full occupancy; notably, the third floor—originally reserved for future expansion—had never been completely utilized before.