Virginia Main Street (VMS) extends heartfelt congratulations to Kathleen (Kathy) Frazier, co-founder and Principal-in-Charge of Frazier Associates, on her retirement. For decades, Frazier Associates has served as the official architectural firm for the VMS program, playing a pivotal role in advancing preservation-based revitalization efforts across the Commonwealth. It’s been an honor to collaborate with such a dedicated and visionary partner.
As Kathy begins this well-earned new chapter, VMS is pleased to welcome Commonwealth Preservation Group (CPG) of Norfolk as the new VMS architect. CPG will carry forward this important work, supporting the design needs of the State Coordinating Program and Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) communities statewide.
Before Frazier Associates officially closes its doors at the end of June, Kathy joined VMS staff and local Main Street directors during a virtual farewell to reflect on her distinguished career. She shared memorable experiences, celebrated collective accomplishments, and expressed deep appreciation for the communities and colleagues who made her work so meaningful. Below are a few of her parting reflections:
I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for continued inclusion in the VMS program since 1986! It’s been an amazing journey over 39 years that has included 50 Virginia cities and towns (now 35 active AVMS communities), and we’ve had the honor to provide design services to over 2,000 projects in those communities.
I want to say a special thank you to Susan Lancaster who has provided amazing design services for nearly 25 years at Frazier Associates and to the VMS program. I’m thrilled that she will be now working for CPG as they take on the VMS design services. Thank you CPG for taking not only Susan but also Deneen Brannock from Frazier Associates who specializes in historic tax credits.
I began doing downtown revitalization design services in 1978 at the Historic Staunton Foundation when it was determined that the most threatened historic buildings in Staunton were in the downtown. The director started a façade improvement program and hired me right out of architecture school. We did 60 buildings in 4 years and this was at the same time the Main Street movement was being developed by Mary Means. Needless to say, it is amazing to see what Main Street has done for our communities and our country over almost 50 years. It has been a fabulous journey!
Many thanks, and all the best as the VMS program moves forward. – Kathy Frazier
Thank you Kathy and Frazier Associates for helping shape our success over the last 40 years!
Photo Credit: Frazier Associates
Virginia Main Street 