Bing Rooming House

The Bing Rooming House was built in 1928 during Plant City's railroad expansion. This two-story, thirteen-room house is a good example of Frame Vernacular construction typical of that period, decorated with intricate mill work and original wooden beaded-paneled walls. Located in the historically black Lincoln Park neighborhood, locally known as the Bottom, the house was constructed by the Carey and Walters Company for Elijah L. Bing Sr. and his wife, Janie Wheeler Bing. Elijah moved to Plant City around 1908 and married Janie in 1917. Anchoring the Laura Street African American Business District, Janie operated the rooming house until 1975, providing overnight accommodations during segregation for black professionals including doctors, teachers, entertainers, and Negro League baseball players. The Bings' descendants deeded the house to the Improvement League of Plant City Community Development Corporation in 1999. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 and was restored with direct support from the City of Plant City, Plant City citizens, and the Florida Division of Historical Resources.

Plant City, Florida · United States