A key figure in the development of the Neighborhood of the Arts has died. Officials with Village Gate, the complex that Stern’s company helped re-develop, died Thursday at the age of 73.

There was no immediate word on the cause of death. Stern Properties developed Village Gate, which is a mix of shops, restaurants, offices and art studios beginning in the 1990s

There are also loft apartments in the complex.

Stern Properties also developed other commercial and residential properties in the city.

Officials at Village Gate, and the Neighborhood of the Arts Neighborhood Association told WXXI News on Friday they are just stunned by the news.

Evan Lowenstein is Chair of the Neighborhood of the Arts Neighborhood Association.

He says Stern continued to be active in his company Stern Properties and in the city right up until his death. Lowenstein says Stern really believed in investing in Rochester.

"He really dug in and invested over 40 years, maybe longer, at great risk, I'm sure, while many others were really fleeing or giving up on the city...that was in the 70s and the 80s; certainly was active up until the very end," Lowenstein said.

He says decades ago, Stern was willing to take risks on redeveloping distressed buildings in Rochester.

"He saw and acted on potential for renewal and vibrancy that we now see in the neighborhood and that he's actually largely responsible for it. So, we're stunned, really... a very big hole in the neighborhood for sure."

According to his obituary funeral services for Gary Stern will be held on Sunday, 2pm, at Temple Beth El on Winton Road.