HOUSTON – (By Michelle Leigh Smith) – Stanford Alexander, a national leader in retail-focused real estate and a devoted philanthropist in his native Houston, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 93.
Mr. Alexander was a towering figure in the real estate industry, best known for his leadership at Weingarten Realty Investors, a Houston-based real estate investment trust that developed, owned and managed numerous shopping centers across the United States.
Long before corporate responsibility became a commonplace term, he embodied it—mentoring generations of real estate professionals and encouraging civic stewardship. His quiet, generous philanthropy benefited countless non-profit organizations and left a lasting impact across Houston.
In Texas and nationwide, Alexander helped shape the shopping center industry and played a key role in advancing the REIT model as a mainstream vehicle for investing in retail centers, warehouses and other commercial properties.
“Stanford was the go-to guy”
Herb Weitzman, Executive Chairman of the Weitzman firm, based in Dallas, recalled meeting Stanford early in his career when Alexander led Weingarten. Weitzman said Stanford treated young professionals with respect and built strong relationships with industry peers. The two worked together on boards such as the Board of Visitors at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). “Stanford was respected by everyone in the industry not only because of his integrity but also because of his corporate responsibility. People from all walks of life sought his advice. The industry will miss Stanford and all of his wisdom,” Weitzman said.
George Weatherall, Director of Leasing at 5Rivers CRE, wrote that Alexander was “truly a class act” whose character, compassion and work ethic were unparalleled. “So proud to say I worked with Stanford. You will be missed. Peace and comfort for your family,” Weatherall wrote.
A former regional director of leasing who joined Weingarten in 2003 described Alexander as a devoted mentor. “Stanford took everyone under his wing—he was a great teacher,” the director said, recalling how Alexander would stop by to share insight. He noted Alexander’s role in taking Weingarten Realty public and praised his enduring energy and leadership.
Patrick Frease, Vice President at The Shopping Center Group (TSCG), thanked Alexander for building a pioneering company. Alan Hassenflu, Chairman and CEO of Fidelis Partners, called him “one of the great pioneers in shopping center development, ownership and value enhancement,” and a gentleman and philanthropist who left Houston better for his efforts. Mike Axelrad, Managing Director of Rockspring Capital, added that Alexander set the standard for early REITs in shopping centers.
Pioneer of the Modern REIT Industry
Hap Stein, Executive Chairman at Regency Centers, remembered Alexander as a foundational pioneer of the modern REIT industry who always acted in the best interests of shareholders, tenants and employees. Stein described Alexander as both an outstanding businessman and a humble, gracious human being who welcomed younger leaders and set high standards for the industry.
One of the Best in the Business
“Stanford was one of the great long-term holders of real estate,” said Steve Alvis, Managing Partner at NewQuest Properties, praising Alexander’s vision for maintaining quality assets over decades. Lauren Bottonari, Vice President and Market Officer at Regency Centers Houston, said the industry lost a treasured teacher who conveyed the skills and passion needed to run a successful real estate company.
Born in Houston in 1928, Stanford Alexander attended San Jacinto High School, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and completed studies at Harvard Business School before serving in the U.S. Air Force. He became involved in the family business—Weingarten’s grocery stores—and focused on real estate that would support and complement those stores.
Weingarten’s, one of Houston’s early supermarkets, grew rapidly after World War II. The family expanded from freestanding grocery stores into shopping center development, capitalizing on Houston’s rapid growth. By the 1960s, Weingarten Realty operated grocery stores and shopping centers across Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, and the company continued to expand its holdings nationwide into the 1970s.
Alexander had an exceptional ability to identify promising retailers before they attracted national attention, building strong, loyal relationships that benefited Weingarten Realty. In 1984 the company restructured as a real estate investment trust and, after going public, became one of the largest equity REITs on the New York Stock Exchange.
One of Stanford’s greatest joys was working alongside his son Drew, who joined Weingarten and succeeded him as CEO in 2001. Drew remembered his father’s quiet guidance and the many ways he taught by example—showing respect for others and prioritizing family.
Last year Weingarten Realty was acquired by Kimco Realty for approximately $4 billion. At the time of the sale, Weingarten owned roughly 160 shopping centers totaling more than 30 million square feet across 15 states.
Stanford married Joan Greenberg 68 years ago, beginning a lifelong partnership anchored in love and shared civic commitment. Joan often accompanied him to community events and cultural outings, blending traditions from New York and Houston. Their partnership produced enduring philanthropic impact throughout the city.
Rooted in the Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world—Alexander supported many civic and health organizations. He helped provide the first parcel of land for the Houston Food Bank, backed the creation of SEARCH House of Tiny Treasures (the first childcare center for homeless children), supported Dress for Success, and advanced inclusion programs for people with disabilities through Jewish Family Service. He and Joan established a foundation to support these and other causes, and the couple helped fund the Stanford Alexander Center for Real Estate Excellence at the University of Houston Bauer School of Business.
Colleagues and beneficiaries remembered his kindness and influence. Jenifer Edmonds credited the Alexanders with bringing Trader Joe’s to Houston and described Stanford as a steadfast partner to Joan. Nancy Levicki, co-founder of Dress for Success Houston, said his passing left a void and emphasized his impact on the community alongside Joan.
The Alexanders supported numerous programs at Jewish Family Service, including Celebration Company for adults with disabilities and the JFS Alexander Institute for Inclusion. Their gifts helped create specialized facilities at Seven Acres for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and provided early space and later capital for Celebration Company’s growth.
Stanford was admired for his curiosity and the respect he showed to everyone he met—from executives to store staff. He paid attention to small details and celebrated others’ achievements while maintaining an unassuming demeanor. His relationships, more than business milestones, were the measure of his life.
A memorial service was conducted by Senior Rabbi David A. Lyon and Senior Associate Rabbi Adrienne Scott on Friday, July 1, in the sanctuary of Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood Blvd, Houston. Speaking to a full auditorium, Joan wore the “Sun and the Moon” earrings Stanford had given her, saying, “I wore them because he was my sun and my moon. Our marriage was an incredible partnership. An era has passed but his spirit lives in you.” Among those who paid respects were Robert T. Sakowitz and U.S. Ambassador Arthur Schechter.
July 2, 2022.
Realty News Report Copyright 2022