Core broker dies following illness

Longtime broker Michael Garr also founded his own boutique firm

The real estate community is mourning the loss of residential broker Michael Garr, founder of the boutique brokerage Garr and Co., which was acquired in 2009 by the brokerage Core. Garr passed away last night after a brief illness, a spokesperson for Core told The Real Deal today. He was unmarried and had no children.

“Last night, sadly, our family at Core, our industry, and the world, lost a very special man,” said Core CEO Shaun Osher, “an authentic man who was a leader in our business for many years. A man I was proud to be associated with, and honored to have as a part of what we have built.”

Osher continued: “From the first time I met Michael, almost 15 years ago, his energy and zest for the business, and life, was inspiring. His leadership and understanding of marketing was invaluable to the people around him, and he made a huge positive impact on everyone he worked with and for.”

Garr, who served as broker specialist for the Chelsea Mercantile building, has completed 68 transactions in the building since 2000, Core said. He was also the developer and co-designer of 119 Chambers Street, a loft-style condo loft development in Tribeca’s historical district, which sold out in seven weeks in 2008.

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

Michael studied at Parson’s School of Design and attended Circle in the Square School of Performing Arts, working in commercial leasing and as an actor in commercials, corporate films and small independent films before going into residential real estate 14 years ago.

During a video interview with Garr last year for Core’s website, Osher asked the broker how he would like to be remembered. Garr responded: “As a guy who tried to do the right thing.”

Arrangements have not yet been finalized for Garr’s funeral, Core said.