BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – Mall mogul Adolph Alfred Taubman passed away Friday evening in Bloomfield Hills at the age of 91.
Taubman was one of the biggest real estate moguls around, making the shopping mall a staple of the American suburb.
Born in Pontiac, Taubman earned his great wealth developing upscale shopping complexes back in the 1950s. He also made headlines in 2002 after serving 10 months in jail after a conviction of price fixing.
For two decades, Taubman made Forbes' 400 Richest Americans list.
Robert S. Taubman, Taubman Centers chairman, president and chief executive officer, released the following statement Friday evening:
"I have some very sad news to share with all of you, my father passed away this evening here in Bloomfield Hills.
This company and all that you stand for were among the greatest joys of his life. Just last month he was in Puerto Rico to celebrate with us the grand opening of the Mall at San Juan. He was so proud of what this wonderful company he founded 65 years ago has accomplished.
Tonight, after dinner in his home, a heart attack took him from us, ending what was a full, extraordinary life that touched so many people in so many wonderful ways around the world. Right now it is difficult for me to express our sadness. We will be informing you of our memorial plans shortly.
One thing that will never be taken from us is Alfred Taubman's vision that will continue to guide and inspire us. Our family thanks you for all your kind thoughts and support through this very difficult time.
Robert S. Taubman"
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, released this statement about Taubman's death:
"Al Taubman changed the way America shops. But his greatest legacy will be how he used his fortune to help people in Michigan and beyond. He was a leading donor to the Detroit Institute of Art and to our universities. Buildings bear his name at Lawrence Technological University and the University of Michigan, where the Taubman Medical Research Institute has been a leader in work to fight diseases such as Lou Gehrig's Disease. His generosity extended beyond Michigan, with important donations to Harvard and Brown Universities and work with the Smithsonian Institution. He will be long remembered not just for his retail genius, but for the lives he touched through his kindness."
"Sue and I extend our condolences to the entire Taubman family."
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan released the following statement:
"Al Taubman has been a great friend to our city and a wonderful friend to me. His loss leaves a huge hole in our entire community. I'm going to miss him terribly."