Bart Frye, known for development of Norfolk’s East Beach and Virginia Beach Cavalier Residences, dies at 79

The developer behind the East Beach neighborhood in Norfolk who had a hand in a number of Hampton Roads projects will be remembered as a “true renaissance man in every respect,” Virginia Beach developer Bruce Thompson said.

Don Barton “Bart” Frye Jr., the founder and chairman of Frye Properties, died on Aug. 11. He was 79.

Frye was a colossal part of the development of the Cavalier Residences that surrounded the renovation of the historic Cavalier Hotel complex, a project led by Thompson. Thompson said Frye was committed from the onset to developing a community that matched the quality of the hotel and offered a resort experience to its residents.

Randy Wright, former Norfolk City Council member, recalled working with Frye on the redevelopment of a 100-acre tract of land in Norfolk that became the award-winning community of East Beach on the Chesapeake Bay. Wright lauded Frye’s vision and tenacity for the project. The public-private initiative showcased Frye’s commitment to establishing communities with traditional, beautifully laid out pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, featuring classic Americana-style homes.

Bob Aston, executive chairman of TowneBank, first crossed paths with Frye close to 50 years ago. Frye served on the bank’s board for many years.

“He always had a lot of confidence in anything he was doing,” Aston said. “And his confident way allowed other people around him to be more confident as well.”

Long before he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, employees and friends throughout Hampton Roads, Frye, a native of Alexandria, earned his bachelor’s degree from Randolph-Macon College followed by a master’s degree in public administration and finance from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

He landed in Hampton Roads in 1966 as the director of program development at the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Under his tutelage, he spearheaded several projects, including the acquisition of land to expand Eastern Virginia Medical School and Norfolk State University and redevelopment initiatives for the Ghent and Brambleton areas, the Chrysler Museum, Scope, Waterside and MacArthur Center mall.

In 1970, he moved across the Elizabeth River to the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority, staying for eight years and serving as its executive director. In that city, Frye was a catalyst in the transformation of historic Olde Towne; development of City Hall, Harbor Tower and the evolution of the waterfront, including the ferry service between Norfolk and Portsmouth.

In 1978, with a couple of hundred dollars to his name and hopes for a future in the world of real estate, Frye made the leap to business ownership with the creation of D.B. Frye & Associates, a Norfolk-based property management firm. Later renamed Frye Properties, the company expanded its focus to include real estate development and sales, construction and property management operations.

“Our mission is to create places where people love to live and leave lasting legacies in our community,” Frye said in a video showcasing his company.

Learning early on that success was more than bricks and mortar, Frye established a team of more than 130 employees, with about 60% marking over 20 years with the company.

Margaret Flibotte, senior vice president of Frye Properties, worked with Frye as his administrative assistant at the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority following her graduation from Old Dominion University in 1974.

She recalled him requesting her assistance to set up his new office when he started his business.

“I agreed to help him ‘temporarily’ until he found new staff and here I am today,” Flibotte said of her 45-year career run alongside Frye. “As Bart expanded his operations, I was continually exposed to new and exciting opportunities. I have worn many different hats and have been devoted to helping secure Frye’s success.”

Calling him charismatic, one-of-a-kind and a leader in every sense, including making even staff meetings fun, Flibotte said he encouraged his employees to expand their knowledge and abilities while instilling the importance of teamwork and dedication.

“Bart was part of my family. I loved him dearly and will miss him every day,” she said. “He may not be here, but we will always feel his presence.”

Calling him tough and a man of integrity, Thompson said Frye remained actively engaged in every aspect of life from the stables to the board room.

Outside of his work, Frye served on numerous boards, including the Virginia Beach Agricultural Advisory Committee, Greater Norfolk Corp. and Festevents.

He also maintained a variety of interests, including playing polo, running marathons and watching University of Virginia sports.

He created the Virginia Beach Polo Club on his property, Alpha Omega Farm, in 1987, hosting countless charity events. Larry Williams, a friend and fellow polo player, said Frye loved to introduce people to polo for the love of sport, beauty of the horses and the sheer pleasure of watching the skill and athleticism of horse and rider.

“Polo will never be the same,” Williams said.

Doug Smith, president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance, was just 10 years old when he first met Frye.

“He had a big impact on my life in many ways and I’ve watched him do some unbelievable things for the region,” Smith said. “It’s pretty amazing who all he touched and who all he impacted.”

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com