Hotel Thomas
a.k.a. Sunkist Villa
Bounded by N.E. 2nd and 5th Sts. and N.E. 6th and 7th Aves., Gainesville, FLCharles William Chase(1857-1909), a relative of Samuel Chase of United States Constitutional Convention fame, came to Gainesville, Florida in 1890 and invested in the Dutton Phosphate Company, later becoming its President. Successful not only in the phosphate industry but also in railroads, real estate, and turpentine, Chase, in 1906, undertook the construction of a large private residence. However, the house was not complete when he died in 1909.
Major William Reuben Thomas (1866-1943) acquired the Chase property in 1909 (not documented) and completed the house. Major Thomas, son of Dr. G. P. Thomas who was a Gainesville pioneer, was the mayor of Gainesville for seven years and a Florida state senator for four years. Instrumental in the social and cultural environment of Gainesville, Major Thomas was the key figure in bringing the University of Florida and the Chautaugua, a national system of camp meetings, to Gainesville.
The house was maintained as Major Thomas's residence until 1925. Influenced by the Florida land boom, Thomas saw a need for a luxury resort hotel in Gainesville and with financial backing from the newly formed the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce (1925), he began the conversion of his house into Hotel Thomas. The hotel opened in 1928 and hosted many important national and state figures. During World War Two, it was used as a club for men from Camp Blanding. The Hotel was a social center for the area and remained so until it was closed in 1968.
The Atlanta-based firm of Edwards and Saywards was employed to design the hotel additions in 1925. William A. Edwards, who supervised the hotel conversion, designed most of the college and university buildings for the State of Florida between 1905 and 1926 and numerous public buildings in the south.
The Thomas Hotel is a visual statement of Florida resort architecture during the boom period. It was designed by one of the South's leading architects. Begun by an important figure in early Gainesville business development, the house was the residence of another Gainesville figure who was important in the development of Gainesville as the cultural center of North Central Florida, and it became, after its conversion into a hotel, an important community meeting place.
Local significance of the building:
Major William Reuben Thomas (1866-1943) acquired the Chase property in 1909 (not documented) and completed the house. Major Thomas, son of Dr. G. P. Thomas who was a Gainesville pioneer, was the mayor of Gainesville for seven years and a Florida state senator for four years. Instrumental in the social and cultural environment of Gainesville, Major Thomas was the key figure in bringing the University of Florida and the Chautaugua, a national system of camp meetings, to Gainesville.
The house was maintained as Major Thomas's residence until 1925. Influenced by the Florida land boom, Thomas saw a need for a luxury resort hotel in Gainesville and with financial backing from the newly formed the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce (1925), he began the conversion of his house into Hotel Thomas. The hotel opened in 1928 and hosted many important national and state figures. During World War Two, it was used as a club for men from Camp Blanding. The Hotel was a social center for the area and remained so until it was closed in 1968.
The Atlanta-based firm of Edwards and Saywards was employed to design the hotel additions in 1925. William A. Edwards, who supervised the hotel conversion, designed most of the college and university buildings for the State of Florida between 1905 and 1926 and numerous public buildings in the south.
The Thomas Hotel is a visual statement of Florida resort architecture during the boom period. It was designed by one of the South's leading architects. Begun by an important figure in early Gainesville business development, the house was the residence of another Gainesville figure who was important in the development of Gainesville as the cultural center of North Central Florida, and it became, after its conversion into a hotel, an important community meeting place.
Landscape Architecture; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Spanish established the first mission in Florida, Mission San Luis de Apalachee, in 1633. The mission was located near present-day Tallahassee and was home to a large Native American population.
About Alachua County
Alachua County Timeline
Alachua County, located in northern Florida, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Timucua and Seminole people. They relied on the fertile soil and abundant water sources for their sustenance and developed intricate cultural practices.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, establishing missions and attempting to colonize the area. However, conflicts with the Native Americans and the lack of resources hindered their efforts. The territory eventually came under British control in the late 18th century, followed by transfer to the United States after the Revolutionary War.
During the mid-19th century, Alachua County experienced a boom as many settlers arrived, drawn by the promise of fertile lands for farming and the expanding railroad system. The city of Gainesville, Alachua County's seat, was established in 1854 and became an economic and cultural hub in the region.
However, the county also faced turbulent times during the Civil War, with significant impact and casualties endured. The University of Florida was founded in Gainesville in 1905, marking a turning point for education and intellectual growth in the region. Today, Alachua County continues to thrive as a diverse and dynamic community, preserving its history while embracing progress and growth.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, establishing missions and attempting to colonize the area. However, conflicts with the Native Americans and the lack of resources hindered their efforts. The territory eventually came under British control in the late 18th century, followed by transfer to the United States after the Revolutionary War.
During the mid-19th century, Alachua County experienced a boom as many settlers arrived, drawn by the promise of fertile lands for farming and the expanding railroad system. The city of Gainesville, Alachua County's seat, was established in 1854 and became an economic and cultural hub in the region.
However, the county also faced turbulent times during the Civil War, with significant impact and casualties endured. The University of Florida was founded in Gainesville in 1905, marking a turning point for education and intellectual growth in the region. Today, Alachua County continues to thrive as a diverse and dynamic community, preserving its history while embracing progress and growth.
Alachua County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Alachua County, Florida.
- 1824 - Alachua County is established on December 29, 1824, as Florida's first inland county.
- 1832 - The first courthouse in the county is constructed in Newnansville.
- 1837 - Newnansville becomes the county seat.
- 1853 - Gainesville is established as a railroad depot, leading to the decline of Newnansville.
- 1868 - Gainesville becomes the county seat.
- 1905 - The University of Florida is established in Gainesville.
- 1915 - The Seagle Building, the first skyscraper in Gainesville, is completed.
- 1930s - The Great Depression impacts the county, leading to economic struggles.
- 1950s - Growth of the University of Florida and postwar development fuel population growth.
- 1969 - Santa Fe Community College is established.
- 1990s - A period of rapid growth and urbanization begins.
- 2001 - Celebration Pointe, a major mixed-use development, breaks ground.