BOSTON-Boston’s commercial real estate community lost two longtime leaders on the same day last week: National Development co-founder Tom Alperin and Redgate principal and former housing and economic development secretary Greg Bialecki, Boston Business Journal reported.
Alperin died on Thursday at the age of 65 after an extended illness, while Bialecki died unexpectedly in his Newton home at the age of 64, according to their obituaries as reported by BBJ.
Both men played critical roles in the state’s economic development over a period of decades. They both also offered their time and talents in service of larger causes, BBJ added.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share that our friend and founder Tom Alperin has passed away. Tom was an integral part of National Development for 40 years,” National Development wrote on its website. “More importantly, he was a kind, caring, and brilliant leader and mentor to many. We will be forever grateful for his positive energy and dedication to National Development.”
Alperin grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he learned the values of kindness, integrity, and hard work from his parents Myer and Joan Alperin. He later moved to the Boston area to attend Tufts University, where he met Marsha, his future wife and lifelong partner, according to obituary.
Alperin was the Founder and former President of National Development. The company, under him and his partners’ leadership developed numerous and significant commercial real estate projects throughout New England.
Bialecki was a principal at Redgate, where he excelled in identifying transformative opportunities for urban redevelopment. His work at Redgate was the culmination of a career dedicated to improving communities and encouraging innovation, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, according to his obituary.
Bialecki dedicated much of his professional life to public service as Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development under Governor Deval Patrick. In this role, he oversaw multiple state agencies and led initiatives that advanced the state’s innovation economy, fostered affordable housing, and supported mixed-use developments centered on public transit.
Bialecki also had a vision for the Boston Public Market, and he was proud to be instrumental in making that vision a reality. After graduating from law school, Greg practiced law in Boston at Hill & Barlow and DLA Piper, specializing in real estate law, according to his obituary.
“Greg will be remembered by colleagues and clients, many of whom became close friends, for his dedication to public service, mentorship, and genuine approach to real estate development that sought to create beneficial outcomes for all parties and communities,” Redgate said on its website. “He pursued his passion for equality with purpose, as a member of the Board of Directors for Boston Neighborhood CLT, Tech Foundry, and Women’s Foundation, organizations that address racial inequities, elevate under-represented groups into sustainable careers, and that support the well-being of women and girls in the Greater Boston area.”
