Individual Visitors:
The Thomas Center is open Mon-Fri
8am-5pm,
and
Sat-Sun 1-4pm

Group Tours:
A. Knowledgeable      docent in 1920’s      attire
B. 4-minute film
C. Brochures and floor      plans for self-guided      tours
D. Picnic areas in the      gardens
E. Maps for self-guided      tours of the      surrounding
     Historic District
Contact Coordinator of      Interpretive Programs      for group tours      (Thomas Center      Associates, Inc.)

Area Historic Highlights:
The Thomas Center is located within the Northeast Historic District.

The Thomas Center

The Thomas Center began its rich life in 1910 as Sunkist Villa, luxurious home of Major William Reuben Thomas and his family. When his children were entering adulthood he added a large wing, converted parts of the house to public rooms and opened Hotel Thomas in 1928. In 1967, its location obsolete, the building became a community college for 7 years. Though slated for demolition in the ‘70s, a group of concerned citizens inspired the city to buy it and restore it to its hotel period. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Since 1979 it has served as both city offices and a cultural center.


Don’t Miss — Quintessential Florida boom period Mediterranean Revival-style architecture, beautiful gardens, art galleries, 1920’s period rooms, displays and exhibits of local history, the Thomas family, Hotel Thomas and its era, performance space, children’s outdoor theater, meeting rooms, offices of Gainesville’s Division of Cultural Affairs


Photos by Gary Paul

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


302 N.E. 6th Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 334-5064
Thomas@gvlhistorichomes.org
www.gvlculturalaffairs.org