Since its opening in 1896, Thompson Hall has drastically changed in form and function. Designed by J.P. Rinn of Boston, the original floor plans for the building revealed that the first floor held classrooms for the study and practice of teaching and included a kindergarten. The second floor had a large lecture hall, library, more classrooms, and Principal John Thompson’s office. The third floor held teacher’s rooms and more classrooms. The basement used to have a full gymnasium, men's and women's dressing rooms, and a lunchroom with kitchen.

As the campus expanded, Thompson Hall became the hub of student activity up until the opening of the Hammond Building in 1975. The gymnasium was converted into a commuter’s lounge and offices for student publications and organization were in the basement of Thompson Hall.