Thomas Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hotel Thomas
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Western entrance to the Thomas Center
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | 302 NE 6th Ave., Gainesville, Florida |
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| 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 historic building in Gainesville, Florida. It was once known as Hotel Thomas and Sunkist Villa. This beautiful building was started in 1910. It was designed in a style called Classical Revival. A famous architect named William Augustus Edwards created its plans. He designed many buildings, including parts of the University of Florida campus.
The building first served as a private home. It belonged to William Reuben Thomas, his wife Kathryn, and their five children. Back then, it was known as Sunkist Villa. In 1928, Mr. Thomas made the house much bigger. He turned it into a hotel. On July 16, 1973, the building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special place recognized for its history. The Thomas Center celebrated its 100th birthday on February 12, 2010.
The Thomas Center Today
Today, the Thomas Center is a busy place for art and culture in Gainesville. It is home to the Gainesville Cultural Affairs Division. The Thomas Center Galleries often show new art exhibits. You can also see rooms decorated like they were in the 1920s. There are exhibits about local history too. The center has spaces for performances, banquets, and meetings. It's a great spot to learn and enjoy art.
