Gardner Hall was built in 1952. South Gardner Hall was added in 1964 and renamed Thomas Hall in 2009. Gardner Hall is named after O. Max Gardner, an alumnus of NC State and one of the leading politicians of... Gardner Hall was built in 1952. South Gardner Hall was added in 1964 and renamed Thomas Hall in 2009. Gardner Hall is named after O. Max Gardner, an alumnus of NC State and one of the leading politicians of his time. He laid the groundwork for the current UNC system, served as State Senator and, from 1928 to 1932, as governor of North Carolina. As Undersecretary to U.S. Treasury and unofficial adviser to Franklin D. Roosevelt, he provided many ideas for Roosevelt's famous "Fireside Chats."