The history of Forest City Enterprises reads like a classic re-telling of the American dream. The Company was founded in 1920 after the Ratowczer (later changed to Ratner) family emigrated to the U.S. Through hard work and good fortune, the family lumberyard business - built by four siblings, Charles, Max, Leonard and Fannye Ratner - grew and expanded beyond the founders' wildest dreams.

The Company went public in 1960 and has established a national reputation as a developer, property owner and manager of some of the largest, and most prestigious, real estate projects.

Today, Company assets are approximately $11.7 billion*. Forest City is driven by an unyielding entrepreneurial spirit and a legacy of leadership that includes three generations of the Ratner, Miller and Shafran families.

For more information on Forest City's history, click on the various dates on the timeline or view the family tree.

* (as of 04/30/09)