NAIOP Maryland, together with the Baltimore business and real estate communities, mourns the recent passing of Richard M. Alter (81) and Craig M. Smith (82).
Richard Mark Alter
Alter joined Manekin, LLC in 1971. Appointed as President and CEO in 1987, Alter oversaw all operations and development activities for the commercial real estate firm which, under his leadership, constructed and managed more than 12 million square feet of space through the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia region. He transformed the organization from a family-owned enterprise into an institutional capital partner. Representative projects include Belvedere Square Shopping Center, Charles Center South, and the Mid-Atlantic Commerce Center.
He was widely recognized for his flamboyant manner and fashion style, including his collection of unique and conversation-starting ties and colorful bracelets. Alter had a passion for philanthropy and community involvement. He was also an accomplished athlete. Alter earned first-team All-American honors while playing lacrosse for Brown University and is considered the premier goalie in the school’s history.
“Richard guided Manekin through the cycles of our industry with vision, style, integrity and humor, while building an enviable culture,” said Owen Rouse, Senior Vice President, MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services, who worked with Alter for many years. “The success of Manekin alumni speaks volumes.”
Alter’s son, Zach, added “He was a mentor to many, a beacon for all, a true moral compass, and always, always a mensch.”
He is survived by his wife Rosalie, two siblings, three children, and eight grandchildren.
Craig McCormick Smith
After overseeing operations for his family’s trucking business, Smith pivoted to the commercial real estate sector when he co-founded The Creaney & Smith Group with high school friend Patrick Creaney in 1982. The firm acquired and developed more than seven million square feet of primarily industrial/warehouse and commercial office properties throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including Point Breeze Business Center in Baltimore City, as well as office buildings in Cronhill Corporate Center and Rutherford Business Park.
Smith presented a tough exterior, forged from his days playing high school and college football, but close friends and family members recall a true gentleman with impeccable honesty and a ready laugh. His former football coach at Loyola High School regarded Smith as “the hardest-hitting player” he had ever seen.
“Loyalty is the first word that comes to mind when describing Craig,” said his son-in-law, Matt Steinmeier. “Through different iterations of the company over a 30-year period, there were many employees who worked for him and they were always extremely loyal to him. In turn, he repaid that devotion and trustworthiness by being loyal to them. He was extremely tough —both in his personal and professional life — but equally generous, fair and a tremendous mentor to me, as well as to a large group of employees.”
He is survived by his wife Elaine, three children and five grandchildren.