LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2025) – Privately held national real estate firm Barker Pacific Group (BPG) regretfully announces the unexpected passing of their admired leader, CEO Michael Barker, who founded the company in 1983. Barker, 80, died suddenly on Saturday, December 7, 2024, after falling while visiting Texas.
“We’ve lost a leader, an innovator, and a long-time legend in the commercial real estate industry,” said Mark Handin, BPG’s managing principal. “I am incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from Michael over the last 16 years. We will honor his spirit and memory by continuing his legacy of success at BPG.”
Barker founded Barker Pacific Group in 1983. As CEO and managing partner, he focused on acquiring, developing, and managing pre-leased residential and commercial projects. For BPG, he directed the development of more than $3.5 billion in commercial projects in California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida,
“Michael Barker was a captivating magnet for attracting individuals from various backgrounds and cultivated numerous deep friendships because people appreciated his open heart and generosity,” said Joel W. Stoesser, managing principal of JWS
Capital Advisors, LLC. “He possessed an incredible knack for identifying and orchestrating intriguing real estate investment transactions, taking them to an entirely new level. He was a creative analyst with an extraordinary insight that transcended technical skills, allowing him to identify and assemble remarkable and successful real estate deals.”
Barker has been exclusively involved in real estate since 1968. Since 1973, Michael has overseen the development of significant projects in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Phoenix, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
Before starting Barker Pacific Group, Michael was an officer at Hines Interests, where he headed up the development of more than four million square feet of office space in Tulsa, Houston, and San Antonio. In 1970, he also co-founded the asset management firm First Houston Trust Company. From 1968 to 1970, he served as a lending officer in the Energy Department of Citibank, New York.
“Michael was a treasured leader, mentor, and friend. He authored his own story from the fields of Oklahoma to board rooms and clubs throughout the world,” said Paul Slye, CEO of Pinnacle Capital Management Services. “His commitment to good works and his native calm and clarity of action in challenging circumstances are an enduring example and testament to his remarkable character and capacities. His legacy and memory are a blessing and beacon.”
Michael was deeply engaged and impactful while giving back to his community. He was dedicated to the success of the John Tracy Center, which serves hearing-impaired children, and served as chairman of the board. He was an active member of the Urban Land Institute (UNMUC Silver Council since 2013), the Lincoln Club, Lambda Alpha International, the Pacific Union Club, and the El Dorado Country Club. He has also been a member of The California Club, Jonathan Club, and The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin for many years.
ABOUT BARKER PACIFIC GROUP
Barker Pacific Group (BPG) was founded more than 40 years ago and comprises experienced real estate professionals active in asset management, acquisitions, and development of major commercial projects. BPG developed 100 First Plaza in San Francisco and owns and manages One Sansome. Some of the firm’s other notable projects include Hamilton Landing and Rowland Plaza in Marin County; The Fine Arts Building, 626 Wilshire Blvd., and 5055 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles; 101 Continental in El Segundo, Calif.; City Square in Phoenix; and Tower 300 in Las Vegas. Additionally, BPG manages Storage Solutions, a growing leader in the self-storage industry, offering consumers and businesses a variety of self-storage space and supplies throughout California. BPG has offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, and Las Vegas. The company specializes in acquiring and developing institutional quality office, retail, and residential projects in select U.S. cities. For more information, visit www.barkerpacific.com.
