Richard Wallgren — whose fabled Rolodex and deep market knowledge allowed him to become one of the most successful condominium sales directors in New York City history — has died.
Wallgren died in his home in Washington, Connecticut last month, following a battle with ALS. He was 68.
Before becoming a broker and sales director, Wallgren had a successful career as an investment banker. In the 1990s, he transitioned to residential real estate at Stribling, Wells & Gay (a predecessor to Stribling). As the downtown Manhattan market transformed, he took advantage of the opportunity, selling luxury lofts like the Fischer Mills Building in Tribeca and developed a reputation for pocketing referrals and resales.
When the luxury condo boom hit, Wallgren was often the man the city’s biggest developers tapped to lead sales at the most ostentatious projects. He was most recently the executive vice president of sales and marketing at Macklowe Properties, where he oversaw sales for projects including 432 Park Avenue (which crossed the $2 billion sales threshold earlier this year), 737 Park Avenue and 150 East 72nd Street.
Prior to his time at Macklowe, Wallgren had a stint as the executive vice president of sales at Brown Harris Stevens and served as director of sales at Zeckendorf Development’s 15 Central Park West — for many years the city’s best-performing condo building, with roughly $2 billion in sales. He also marketed the Time Warner Center condominiums for Related Companies while at new development shop Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group.
“Richard’s mark on the New York skyline and real estate industry is an indelible one,” said Kelly Kennedy Mack, president of Corcoran Sunshine. “From Tribeca to Central Park South, his enthusiasm and profound market knowledge made him a trusted colleague and a good friend. Those at Corcoran Sunshine who knew Richard will certainly miss him, and we extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family.”
15 Central Park West and 432 Park
Hall Wilkie, co-president of BHS, said Wallgren was a “true gentleman,” adding that “he was well-loved by everyone because he was a kind, polite and thoughtful person.”
Harry Macklowe and the Zeckendorfs did not respond to requests for comment. The Real Estate Board of New York, where Wallgren served on a residential brokerage new development committee, did not offer a comment.
Outside of real estate, Wallgren worked with nonprofit groups and was a member of The Church of St. Luke in the Fields in New York City. He was on the board of Village Care of New York — which provides services for seniors or people with chronic healthcare needs — and volunteered delivering meals with God’s Love We Deliver.
Wallgren is survived by his spouse, Martin Kenneth Rook, and his sister and brother. A memorial service is to be held at The Church of St. Luke in the Fields today.