Thomas Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Hotel Thomas
|
|
Western entrance to the Thomas Center
|
|
 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 302 NE 6th Ave., Gainesville, Florida |
|---|---|
| Built | 1910 |
| Architect | William Augustus Edwards |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000563 |
| Added to NRHP | July 16, 1973 |
The Thomas Center is a really old and important building in Gainesville, Florida. It was once known as Hotel Thomas and Sunkist Villa. This beautiful building was started in 1910. It was designed by a famous architect named William Augustus Edwards. He was known for creating many buildings, including parts of the University of Florida campus.
Contents
History of the Thomas Center
The Thomas Center began as a large private home. It belonged to William Reuben Thomas, his wife Kathryn, and their five children. They called their home Sunkist Villa.
From Home to Hotel
In 1928, Mr. Thomas made the house much bigger. He turned it into a hotel, which became known as Hotel Thomas. This grand building served as a hotel for many years.
A Historic Landmark
The building was recognized as a special place on July 16, 1973. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. After this, the building was carefully repaired and restored. Workers fixed the structure and replaced the original roof tiles. The Thomas Center celebrated its 100th birthday on February 12, 2010.
The Thomas Center Today
Today, the Thomas Center is a lively place for art and culture in Gainesville. It is home to the Gainesville Cultural Affairs Division.
What You Can Find Inside
- Art Galleries: The Thomas Center Galleries often show new art exhibits.
- Period Rooms: You can see rooms decorated to look like they did in the 1920s.
- Local History: There are exhibits that teach about the history of the area.
- Performance Space: The center has a place for shows and performances.
- Event Rooms: There are also rooms for banquets and meetings.
The Thomas Center is a great example of how old buildings can be given new life. It continues to be an important part of the Gainesville community.
