Thomas Hall 2 UF, Gainesville, Fl. Thomas Hall opened in 1906 and was originally used as a multipurpose building. It housed offices, classrooms, dining and housing facilities until its renovation in 1984, when it became exclusive to student housing. The Florida Museum of Natural History Collection was even housed in Thomas Hall for a period of time. Today, Thomas Hall is part of the Murphree Area of residences, located near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and the Stephen C. O\u27Connell Center. This was named for Major William Reuben Thomas was a former Mayor of Gainesville who played a key role in the relocation of the University of Florida campus to Gainesville from Lake City. Contributing Building - University of Florida Campus Historic Distric...