It was built starting in 1910 in the Classical Revival style by noted Atlanta-based architect, William Augustus Edwards, designer of academic buildings at 12 institutions in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, including the original University of Florida campus, as well as a dozen or more county courthouses in those states plus other building and houses,[2][3] The building began as the private home of William Reuben Thomas, his wife Kathryn, and their five children, when it was known as Sunkist Villa.

[4] In 1928 Thomas more than doubled the size of the home and converted it to a hotel.

[4] On July 16, 1973, the building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

[5] Today the Thomas Center serves as a local art and cultural center, and is the home for the Gainesville Cultural Affairs Division.

The Thomas Center Galleries feature changing exhibits of art.