JMVegas5866
11-30-2007, 07:08 PM
For those on ELV who live in Las Vegas, and to those in general who have appreciation for mid century modern architecture or share an appreciation for our nations historical buildings and landmarks:
I've been trying to follow this since last spring, and I have now just learned that there are definite plans for the University of Las Vegas Nevada to demolish the Maude Frazier Hall. Their intent is to make the campus' entrance on Maryland Parkway a "more eye-pleasing focal point". The demolition is slated to be within the coming year, so time and help is valuable for anyone who is interested in saving a piece of history. I have included a brief summary of the buildings history at the bottom of this post.
If you are interested in helping to save this piece of historic architecture please sign the online petition at:
http://www.petitiononline.com/saveunlv/petition.html
Also see this link to see the Maude Frazier Hall in stages from 1957 to present to currently proposed restoration and preservation renderings:
http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/maudefrazier.htm
Thanks for your interest!
Regards,
JMVegas5866
More on the Maude Frazier Hall...
For those of you who do not know about the Maude Frasier Building that sits on the campus of UNLV at the Maryland Parkway entrance here are some facts and information about it courtesy of the Preservation Association of Clark County and also by a Las Vegas based non-profit organization, the Atomic Age Alliance :
The building was named after Maude Frazier who was a trail blazing educator in Southern Nevada. Frazier arrived in Las Vegas in 1921 and was a maverick for her time, as a woman and a teacher. She was known for her spunk and shrugged off the conventions of the time that required teachers to refrain from dancing or other forms of harmless entertainment. She became the high school principal and convinced the public to pass a $350,000 bond to build the Las Vegas High School (now the Academy). She later served in the state legislature for 12 years and was the first female Lt. Governor. Among her other accomplishments was persuading the state to appropriate $200,000 to build a university in Southern Nevada and then with the help of Archie Grant and R. Guild Gray, raised an additional $100,000 to finish the job. It was only fitting that the university’s first building should be named after Southern Nevada’s most influential early educator.
UNLV History to be Demolished and Re-written
The first classes at UNLV were held here in Maude Frazier Hall on September 10, 1957. It is one of Midtown’s most historic buildings. As the university focuses on the next 50 years, this building is slated for potential demolition within the coming year. On November 29 and 30th the Board of Regents will discuss this matter: whether they will turn their backs on history and UNLV’s identity, or celebrate Maude Frazier Hall as a bridge representing the last 50 years of educational growth in Southern Nevada. It can be a gateway to the future of UNLV and Midtown redevelopment.
Architecture Worthy of National Recognition
Although the landscaping has suffered through the years and detracts from the building, the 13,000-square-foot Mid Century Modern structure still retains most of its original architecturally significant attributes and qualifies for National Register of Historic Places status, including it historic façade that faces Maryland Parkway. The building made a statement when it was built with its low wide form creating an impressive presence against the broad empty 1957 desert landscape. At the center of the one story building is a massive floating wedge of wall that serves as a sign board on which original “metal architectural lettering” spelled University of Nevada (now replaced by less suitable contemporary UNLV lettering). To the right, a cantilevered horizontal overhang is supported by repeating pillars. Some interior components are also intact. The flat roof presents another signature element – a horizontal mass juxtaposed with vertical ventilation elements.
Named for a Female Pioneer of Nevada
Frazier Hall is a testament to a pioneering spirit that few in the history of Nevada have possessed. The individual for whom it is named, Maude Frazier, was responsible for bringing educational facilities of Southern Nevada into the 20th and now 21st centuries. From her ground breaking efforts in the procurement of funds to build Las Vegas High School, to her equally impressive work persuading the State of Nevada to provide funds for a fledgling university, Maude Frazier’s work is the foundation upon which a substantial portion of Southern Nevada’s educational past, present and future is built. In addition to being a champion of education, Maude Frazier was also a state assembly person and the first female Lieutenant Governor of Nevada. The edifices constructed to celebrate individuals are touchstones by which inspirational spirits may be remembered. Rather then tear down the original and affix Maude’s name to a new irrelevant structure, Maude Frazier Hall should become part of the new master Mid Town plan and saved for the enrichment of generations to come.
I've been trying to follow this since last spring, and I have now just learned that there are definite plans for the University of Las Vegas Nevada to demolish the Maude Frazier Hall. Their intent is to make the campus' entrance on Maryland Parkway a "more eye-pleasing focal point". The demolition is slated to be within the coming year, so time and help is valuable for anyone who is interested in saving a piece of history. I have included a brief summary of the buildings history at the bottom of this post.
If you are interested in helping to save this piece of historic architecture please sign the online petition at:
http://www.petitiononline.com/saveunlv/petition.html
Also see this link to see the Maude Frazier Hall in stages from 1957 to present to currently proposed restoration and preservation renderings:
http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/maudefrazier.htm
Thanks for your interest!
Regards,
JMVegas5866
More on the Maude Frazier Hall...
For those of you who do not know about the Maude Frasier Building that sits on the campus of UNLV at the Maryland Parkway entrance here are some facts and information about it courtesy of the Preservation Association of Clark County and also by a Las Vegas based non-profit organization, the Atomic Age Alliance :
The building was named after Maude Frazier who was a trail blazing educator in Southern Nevada. Frazier arrived in Las Vegas in 1921 and was a maverick for her time, as a woman and a teacher. She was known for her spunk and shrugged off the conventions of the time that required teachers to refrain from dancing or other forms of harmless entertainment. She became the high school principal and convinced the public to pass a $350,000 bond to build the Las Vegas High School (now the Academy). She later served in the state legislature for 12 years and was the first female Lt. Governor. Among her other accomplishments was persuading the state to appropriate $200,000 to build a university in Southern Nevada and then with the help of Archie Grant and R. Guild Gray, raised an additional $100,000 to finish the job. It was only fitting that the university’s first building should be named after Southern Nevada’s most influential early educator.
UNLV History to be Demolished and Re-written
The first classes at UNLV were held here in Maude Frazier Hall on September 10, 1957. It is one of Midtown’s most historic buildings. As the university focuses on the next 50 years, this building is slated for potential demolition within the coming year. On November 29 and 30th the Board of Regents will discuss this matter: whether they will turn their backs on history and UNLV’s identity, or celebrate Maude Frazier Hall as a bridge representing the last 50 years of educational growth in Southern Nevada. It can be a gateway to the future of UNLV and Midtown redevelopment.
Architecture Worthy of National Recognition
Although the landscaping has suffered through the years and detracts from the building, the 13,000-square-foot Mid Century Modern structure still retains most of its original architecturally significant attributes and qualifies for National Register of Historic Places status, including it historic façade that faces Maryland Parkway. The building made a statement when it was built with its low wide form creating an impressive presence against the broad empty 1957 desert landscape. At the center of the one story building is a massive floating wedge of wall that serves as a sign board on which original “metal architectural lettering” spelled University of Nevada (now replaced by less suitable contemporary UNLV lettering). To the right, a cantilevered horizontal overhang is supported by repeating pillars. Some interior components are also intact. The flat roof presents another signature element – a horizontal mass juxtaposed with vertical ventilation elements.
Named for a Female Pioneer of Nevada
Frazier Hall is a testament to a pioneering spirit that few in the history of Nevada have possessed. The individual for whom it is named, Maude Frazier, was responsible for bringing educational facilities of Southern Nevada into the 20th and now 21st centuries. From her ground breaking efforts in the procurement of funds to build Las Vegas High School, to her equally impressive work persuading the State of Nevada to provide funds for a fledgling university, Maude Frazier’s work is the foundation upon which a substantial portion of Southern Nevada’s educational past, present and future is built. In addition to being a champion of education, Maude Frazier was also a state assembly person and the first female Lieutenant Governor of Nevada. The edifices constructed to celebrate individuals are touchstones by which inspirational spirits may be remembered. Rather then tear down the original and affix Maude’s name to a new irrelevant structure, Maude Frazier Hall should become part of the new master Mid Town plan and saved for the enrichment of generations to come.