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Gainesville FL - Community leaders are continually looking for ways to build on Gainesville’s downtown renaissance through initiatives to restore, and repurpose buildings, provide ample parking, and encourage new development. Built in 1911, the Hippodrome State Theatre began life as Gainesville’s downtown post office. Today, the Hippodrome produces eight contemporary theatrical productions a year. The building also houses an art gallery and a cinema theater. Considered Gainesville's cultural heart, the Thomas Center is housed in a beautifully restored Mediterranean Revival-style hotel. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Thomas Center contains art galleries, local history exhibits, banquet and meeting rooms. Union Street Station, completed in 1999, offers restaurants, shops, offices, and residences, all under one roof in the heart of downtown Gainesville. Ornate balconies and graceful walkways adorn the five-story French quarter design. Completed in 2002, the Commerce Building is home to the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Community Design Center, and private businesses. Next to the Commerce Building, the recently completed Regents Park condominium project is attracting area professionals, grad students and others who prefer a downtown location. Within walking distance of downtown Gainesville, the Depot Park Project is a proposed 32-acre park with walking paths, and outdoor ampitheater. University Corners, and University Lofts are two additional downtown projects that developers hope will build on the success of Union Station’s retail-residence hybrid.