By Beacon Staff
After 12 years on the job, Steve Frevert has resigned as executive director of Downtown Partners Inc.
Dustin Roth, director of marketing and communications for the Greater Burlington Partnership, confirmed Frevert’s resignation to The Beacon Monday.
Roth said Frevert resigned last week, and for now, the partnership is declining to comment. Frevert also declined to comment about his resignation and gave no public indication he might be leaving.
Mayor Jon Billups had no further information on the resignation, but he fervently praised Frevert’s dedication to revitalizing downtown while maintaining Burlington’s classic architecture.
“Merchants and the downtown saw good growth during Steve Frevert's tenure. Working with the volunteers, we realized a great resurgence in downtown residency and business growth,” Billups said.
Frevert started the job in 2008 and was a driving force behind downtown Burlington’s continual renovation. Two of his ongoing projects include the new Tama building that is under development, and the repair and eventual redevelopment of the old Typewriter Shop at 300 Washington St.
The historic Typewriter Shop has been vacant for over 20 years and has fallen into disrepair, but is eligible for historic rehab tax credits. In 2016, the property was acquired by the city of Burlington, then handed over to Downtown Partners.
The nature of the redevelopment would be up to the buyer, Frevert said in 2016. He thought the old Typewriter Shop could become a mixed-use building with shops on the bottom floor and apartments above. He also envisioned an entirely commercial building or even a boutique hotel.
An exterior wall of the building covered by scaffolding partially collapsed in late March with the bricks falling inward. The collapse did not impact work on the building.
Billups said Frevert’s tireless ambition will be hard to replace.
“Hopefully someone will be found to keep the momentum going, however, the transition may not be easy. Burlington has had quality leaders for the Main Street/ DPI (Downtown Partners Inc.) program so I am hopeful that we are able to continue that success,” Billups said.
Beacon File Photo
Hal Morton, left, and Steve Frevert (black shirt) entertained market-goers with live music last summer at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market. After 12 years on the job, Frevert has resigned as executive director of Downtown Partners Inc.