The building at 150 Main Street has been a cornerstone of downtown Northampton for more than a century. Pressed tin ceilings, hardwood floors, stained glass windows, walnut center staircase and a host of other classic Victorian details give the space an old world charm that belies its size. From 1873 until 1973 the building was occupied by McCallums's Department Store. McCallum's, a traditional, upscale department store, was owned by a local Northampton family. In addition to the store, which filled the first two floors, McCallum's also boasted a community theater upstairs on the third floor.

Not long after McCallum's announced it's closing, shortly after Christmas in 1973, the building was purchased by Floyd Andrus. Andrus, a local businessman, began a time consuming renovation, removing modern "innovations" like industrial carpeting, to bring 150 Main Street back to its original glory. Subdividing the building into smaller units and renaming the building Main Street Center, he began to lease the spaces individually.

In 1977, Andrus sold the building to four young entrepreneurs, Brinkley and Gordon Thorne and their wives Mazie Cox and Annie Woodhull. Active in volunteer efforts to save Northampton's downtown from impending urbanization, Brinkley and Mazie, both architects, brought to the project a passion about community involvement. Gordon and Annie brought a similar energy and a commitment to creating a downtown arts presence.

The group's combined goal was to fill the building with shops, galleries and restaurants that were individual in flavor rather than franchises. Having studied bazaars throughout the world, Brinkley and Mazie sought to create an atmosphere with the energy, sights, smells and sounds of an old-world marketplace. Gordon and Annie, an artist and therapist, worked to create an art center on the third floor where visual arts, theater and dance would be available to the community. Thornes Marketplace, as it was named, became the focal point of a Renaissance in downtown Northampton that has continued for more than 20 years.

Today Thornes, with its familiar green awning, continues to maintain a strong presence on Main Street. Attached by a walkway to the city's parking garage, Thornes is easily accessible regardless of the weather. More than 25 shops, restaurants, galleries, studios and businesses now fill the building.

The art center continues to offer gallery and performance space to the community and to sponsor a full schedule of exhibits and events. Some of the original shops, with their original owners, are still in the building while others have moved into larger spaces on Main Street. New additions adhere to the same vision of individuality offering a unique and diverse selection of products and services ranging from the latest fashions to Mexican handcrafts to music, books, fresh flowers, home accessories, jewelry, organic foods and American crafts and everything in-between.