It was the first building on the campus of Nevada Southern University. It was designed by famed Las Vegas architects Zick and Sharp. It was named for a woman who made education her cause, Maude Frazier. She is beloved by the many people who knew her, were influenced by her education first cause and who had better lives for coming under her tutelage.
For the last year and a half, preservationists have been trying to save Maude Frazier Hall from the wrecking ball. The majority of colleges around the country usually save the first building that was built on their campus. Many see it as a timeline and a yard stick for how far a college has come from its humble beginnings. Whether small or large, well-known or not, colleges usually take pride in preserving and utilizing their first campus building.
Well, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (formerly Nevada Southern University) is not in that league. They are in a league of their own. Word has just come from FCLV member Dennis McBride that UNLV is in the process of tearing down Frazier Hall. Dennis says that the majority of students and employees on campus had no idea the demolition was taking place today.
FCLV member Mary Martinez, Anthropology instructor Heidi Swank, the Atomic Age Alliance, Thalia Dondero, Jack LeVine, Donna Andress and the alumni of Las Vegas High are all to be commended for their efforts in trying to save this important building.
I 'd be willing to bet there is no joy in Las Vegas preservation circles this afternoon.
Maude Frazier Hall
1957 to 2009
R.I.P.
Special thanks to UNLV Special Collections and Joel Rosales at Leavinglv.net for letting us use this images.