THOMAS CENTER PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS The Thomas Center compound is a well-known public amenity for Gainesville and beyond. It includes two large historic buildings, Thomas Center A and Thomas Center B, connected by lush Savannah style gardens. These buildings were built in the early 20 th century, and have served throughout the years as a private home, luxury hotel, and Santa Fe College and City of Gainesville administration offices. Many public and private events are held in the compound, mostly in the gardens and in the Thomas Center A building, which was restored in the 1970 s to the 1920 s era style.
Planning & Development Services Thomas Center B Code Enforcement Building Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Housing & Community Development A staff team, together with building users and community members, has been developing a strategy to improve Thomas Center B, where five City of Gainesville departments offices are located. The building was last renovated in the mid-1990 s. In its current state there are a number of opportunities to improve accessibility, wayfinding and maintenance, while also providing a welcoming atmosphere to citizens and employees. Top: View of existing main entrance from parking lot Bottom: View of Existing Lobby
Thomas Center B First Phase of Renovation The first phase of renovations is anticipated to begin in December 2016 and be completed within twelve weeks. Improvements will focus on the following four areas: The main exterior approach to Thomas Center B, including new stairs and ADA ramp Thomas Center B main lobby The Building Department area, and Elevator and staircase maintenance
1970 s and are not considered historic. Top: Existing main stairs and front doors Bottom: Existing ramp & ADA door Thomas Center B: Main Entrance The front stairs and ramp, together with the lobby, create the first impression of the building. We want to make sure Thomas Center B users feel welcome to the building and get a great impression of it as they step in. The current building approach offers limited ease and usability, with narrow stairs, aging porch ceramic tiles, and a remote handicap ramp that does not meet current ADA standards. Both existing stairs and ramp were added in the
Thomas Center B: Main Entrance The new stairs will replace the existing stairs. The new design will offer a more inviting setting, linking to the existing porch, which will be retiled. To create universal access, a new ADA ramp will be constructed and lead to the front porch and main building lobby. New ADA parking spaces will be located nearby. The stair, ramp and rail design, finishes and materials will match those found on the Thomas Center compound.
Thomas Center B Existing Lobby Conditions Throughout the years, the historic lobby was altered. New walls, furniture and mechanical equipment were added and eventually blocked the view of the Turtle Courtyard, located just behind it. The Turtle Courtyard is one of Gainesville gems, a popular wedding and events destination. Currently, there is no access to or from this courtyard to the building.
Thomas Center Main Gardens Breezeway Thomas Center B Lobby Redesign Turtle Courtyard Lobby Lobby Inspired by the building past as a luxury hotel, we would like to create a welcoming and respectful lobby, where visitors and employees feel welcome, receive assistance, and may use the space for informal meetings. Parking Lot The goals of the Lobby redesign are to create an inviting public space that is welcoming and informative, as well as well connected to the Thomas Center gardens and building heritage. NORTH Conceptual designs of Thomas Center B Lobby redesign. Drawings are conceptual and are not to scale.
Thomas Center B Lobby Redesign The proposed lobby design will include cased wood ceiling beams, wood-like flooring, decorative furniture and light fixtures, wall and window treatments, live plants and art. A concierge will greet and assist visitors in the lobby, as well as help with access control into the building. The doors leading to the Turtle Courtyard will be unlocked to welcome in and out traffic from the Thomas Center gardens. Top: Design inspiration - Thomas Center A ceiling beams and light fixtures Bottom: Design inspiration renovated historic hotel lobby
Specific Department Improvements The Building Department front counter area will be altered to provide a more welcoming work environment. To free up some additional space for public counters, the staff kitchenette will be relocated closer to the Breezeway exit doors at the Building Department wing. Access control doors will be added to distinguish between the Front and Back of House at the Building and Code Enforcement departments corridors. New partially glazed doors will connect the departments corridors to the historic Breezeway and encourage employees to enjoy the gardens and breezeway. NORTH Turtle Courtyard Lobby Building Department Front Desk Waiting Area Access Control Doors Conceptual designs of Building Department front desk redesign. Drawings are conceptual and are not to scale.
Wayfinding, Art and Maintenance Improved wayfinding and original local art will be displayed throughout in the building. Elevator modernization and stairwell maintenance will be implemented in 2017.
Welcome! We hope that this first phase of improvements will inspire the City and community to further contribute to the on-going development of the Thomas Center and to unlock its full potential as a public and civic resource. For more information, please contact Sarit Sela, project manager, at (352) 393-8207 or selas@cityofgainesville.org. NORTH Conceptual drawing. Not to scale.