The Richest People In America: Donald Bren

Courtesy of Irvine

#20 Donald Bren

$12.0 billion
Source: real estate

Son of Hollywood producer attended U. of Washington on skiing scholarship; halted Olympics bid after injury 1956. Joined Marines, then built first house on $10,000 loan 1958. Developed 10,000-acre Rancho Mission Viejo in California, sold to Philip Morris 1967. With partners, bought real estate developer Irvine Co. for $337 million 1977. Became firm's sole owner in 1996. Developed central Orange County, Irvine and half of Newport Beach. Today owns 9,000 developable acres in Orange County, 400 office buildings, 40 retail centers, 90 apartment communities, hotels, marinas, golf courses. Paid $1.4 billion last October for 90% stake in 16 apartment complexes owned by Archstone-Smith. Republican donor actively involved in McCain's presidential bid. Gave $20 million to UC, Irvine's law school last August, another $8.5 million to California afterschool program for low-income students this year.

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