Since the 1950s, the DeBartolo name has been a hallmark of quality in communities across the country. It started with Edward J DeBartolo, Sr., the founder of the American shopping mall concept, and it continues today through the diversified work of Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr., the son, business partner and new face of the DeBartolo legacy.

In the days of Mr. DeBartolo Sr., the family’s business grew to become one of the most successful businesses in the United States—at one point controlling over 2 billion square feet of retail real estate space nationwide. Through the 1960s and 1970s, the DeBartolo reach in shopping mall development stretched from the Midwest, through the Northeast and southward into large metropolitan cities in Florida and Louisiana.

Since that time, Mr. DeBartolo Jr., has taken the company into new territory—from franchise ownership to sports management—while continuing to drive its core business, DeBartolo Real Estate Investments, to new heights.

Mr. DeBartolo Jr., has built his career around the same principles that helped his father make DeBartolo a real estate icon. In addition to the extremely successful shopping mall business,
The DeBartolo family, under the leadership Mr. DeBartolo Jr., purchased the San Francisco 49ers.

Regarded as the ultimate “players’ owner,” and affectionately referred to as “Mr. D.”, his 23-year ownership of the San Francisco 49ers led to 12 division titles, the first five-time Super Bowl champion franchise in NFL history, and a reputation for being one of the most passionate,
well-liked figures in the league. It's that same commitment to passionate leadership and strong relationships that has led him to success in everything he touches.

Mr. DeBartolo Jr., also achieved the pinnacle of hockey greatness in the early 1990s, winning two Lord Stanley Cup Championships during his tenure as owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins (1990–91 and 1991–92).

Concurrently with Mr. DeBartolo Jr.’s successful run as a championship sports owner,
the DeBartolo Realty Partnership, L.P., (DRP) was founded to manage the real estate holdings of the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation. During this time, DRP merged real estate assets with Simon Property Group to form one of the largest public real estate companies in the country.

In addition to the legendary success in shopping mall development and world championship sports franchises, the DeBartolo legacy includes successful ventures in hotel property management, regional restaurant development and entertainment venue ownership.