Who Was Alfred Taubman
Alfred Taubman was an American businessman and philanthropist. He built a fortune through large-scale shopping mall development and became a major figure in commercial real estate. He later gained wider public attention for his involvement with the Sotheby's auction house.
Early Life and Career
Born in Pontiac, Michigan, Taubman studied architecture and engineering before entering the real estate business. He founded Taubman Centers, a company that developed upscale shopping malls across the United States. His developments helped shape modern retail architecture and urban commercial districts.
Sotheby's and Legacy
In the 1990s, Taubman became chairman of Sotheby's. He later pleaded guilty to price-fixing charges related to a collusion scheme with rival Christie's. He served a short prison sentence and paid substantial fines. His biography and legal case are documented by the Encyclopaedia Britannica.
