Martin Selig: Martin Selig Net Worth, Biography, Age, Spouse, Children & More

About Martin Selig

Martin Selig, a German-born American billionaire and Holocaust survivor, has significantly influenced Seattle's skyline as a prominent property developer, notable for constructing the Columbia Center, the city’s tallest building. Born into a Jewish family in Germany, Selig and his family fled the Nazis, eventually immigrating to the U.S., where they settled in Seattle. His venture into real estate saw the development of major projects including the Fifth & Yesler Building and the 1000 Second Avenue company headquarters, with Martin Selig Real Estate currently owning 4 million square feet of office space in the city. Beyond his real estate achievements, Selig is an art aficionado, owning works by famous painters, and has been involved in politics, with fluctuating support for Donald Trump. His story, from escaping persecution to shaping one of America’s key cityscapes, underscores resilience and a significant impact on urban development.

Born

December 31, 1937

Age

88 years

Source Of Wealth

Real Estate

Industries

Real Estate

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Seattle, Washington

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, University of Washington

Spouse

Andrea Selig (divorced), Catherine Mayer

Children

Martin Selig, a German-born American billionaire property developer, was born into a Jewish family in Germany. His father, Manfred Selig, was warned by a neighbor about the Nazi labeling of Jews, prompting the family to leave Germany quickly. They went into hiding in warehouses in Frankfurt before traveling east through Poland, Russia, Korea, and Japan. Eventually, they boarded a steamer to San Francisco and spontaneously chose Seattle as their new home due to the sunshine. In Seattle, Manfred Selig opened "Selig's Linen Shop," a children's clothing business, and became an art collector.

Martin Selig: Family

Martin Selig is married to artist Catherine Mayer. He was previously married to Andrea Selig, with whom he had three children: David, Lauren, and Jordan. Lauren Selig is a Hollywood executive producer and the widow of Kyril Faenov, a former Microsoft executive.

Martin Selig: Career Highlights

Martin Selig began his career working for his father's children's clothing store. In 1962, he built his first shopping center. Throughout his career, he focused on developing tall buildings in Seattle, eventually owning nearly one-third of the city's office space by the 1980s. One of his most notable projects was the Columbia Center, which was the tallest building in Seattle when it was completed in 1985. Selig sold the Columbia Center in 1989 for $354 million.

Martin Selig: Companies

Martin Selig is the founder and chairman of Martin Selig Real Estate, a real estate development company based in Seattle. The company owns and manages over 4 million square feet of office space in the city.

Martin Selig: Major Achievements

Martin Selig's major achievements include developing the Columbia Center, the tallest building in Seattle, and building numerous other tall buildings in the city. He is also known for his art collection and his philanthropy.

Martin Selig: Awards & Achievements

Martin Selig has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the real estate industry and the city of Seattle.

These include the Urban Land Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award and the Seattle Chamber of Commerce's Business Leader of the Year Award.

Martin Selig: Personal Life & Legacy

Martin Selig is an art collector and paints himself. He owns works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt and Toulouse-Lautrec. He is also known for his philanthropy, supporting various cultural and educational institutions in Seattle.

Martin Selig: Trivia

Martin Selig is a Republican and has been involved in politics. He endorsed and planned a fundraiser for Donald Trump in 2016 but later withdrew his support. He also donated the maximum personal amount to Trump's 2020 re-election campaign.

Wealth History

Timeline

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Martin Selig was born to a Jewish family in Germany.

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Martin Selig's father was warned by a neighbor about Nazi labeling, and the family quickly left Germany.

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Martin Selig and his family hid in warehouses in Frankfurt and traveled east through Poland, Russia, Korea, and Japan.

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Martin Selig and his family boarded a steamer to San Francisco and spontaneously chose Seattle as their destination due to the sunshine.

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Martin Selig's father opened "Selig's Linen Shop," a children's clothing business, and became an art collector.

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Martin Selig worked for his father's children's clothing store.

1962

Martin Selig built his first shopping center.

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Martin Selig planned a 48-story building in Belltown, but it was canceled due to protests.

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Martin Selig built mostly tall buildings in Seattle and owned nearly one-third of office space by the 1980s.

1985

Martin Selig developed Columbia Center, which was the tallest building in Seattle at the time.

1989

Martin Selig sold Columbia Center for $354 million.

2015

Martin Selig submitted plans for a 31-story tower on top of the Federal Reserve Bank Building.

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Martin Selig Real Estate owns 4 million square feet of office space in Seattle.

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Martin Selig is an art collector, paints himself, and owns works by Rembrandt and Toulouse-Lautrec.

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Martin Selig married Andrea Selig, but they divorced in 1995. They had three children: David, Lauren, and Jordan.

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Martin Selig remarried artist Catherine Mayer.

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Martin Selig's daughter Lauren is a Hollywood executive producer and the widow of Kyril Faenov (Microsoft).

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Martin Selig is a Republican and donates to political causes.

2016

Martin Selig endorsed and planned a fundraiser for Donald Trump, but later withdrew his support.

2020

Martin Selig donated the maximum personal amount to Trump's 2020 re-election campaign.

Martin Selig : FAQs

What is Martin Selig's net worth?

As of 2023, Martin Selig's net worth was $1.40 billion.

What are Martin Selig's main sources of wealth?

Martin Selig's main source of income comes from Real Estate.

In which industry does Martin Selig primarily operate?

Martin Selig is primarily involved in the Real Estate industry.

What is Martin Selig educational background?

Martin Selig holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from the University of Washington.

How old is Martin Selig?

Martin Selig is 88 years old.

How many children does Martin Selig have?

Martin Selig has 3 children.

Who is Martin Selig and why is he significant in Seattle's real estate landscape?

Martin Selig is a German-born American billionaire property developer, known for his significant contributions to Seattle's skyline, including the development of the Columbia Center, the city's tallest building. A Holocaust survivor, Selig became one of the most influential figures in Seattle, owning nearly one-third of the city's office space by the 1980s.

What are some notable projects developed by Martin Selig in Seattle?

Notable projects developed by Martin Selig in Seattle include the Columbia Center, which he owned until 1989, 1000 Second Avenue (which serves as his company headquarters), the Fifth & Yesler Building, Fifth & Jackson Building, 1015 Second Avenue (site of the Federal Reserve Bank Building) and the planned Third and Lenora building set for 2020.

Can you describe Martin Selig's early life and journey to the United States?

Martin Selig was born to a Jewish family in Germany. Warned by a neighbor about Nazi labeling, his family left quickly, hiding in warehouses in Frankfurt, before traveling east through Poland, Russia, Korea, and Japan. They boarded a steamer to San Francisco and chose to settle in Seattle due to the sunshine. Selig's father opened 'Selig's Linen Shop,' a children's clothing business.

What is Martin Selig's background in his career?

Martin Selig began his career working for his father's children's clothing store before building his first shopping center in 1962. He went on to focus on developing tall buildings in Seattle, including the Columbia Center in 1985. By the 1980s, Selig owned nearly one-third of the city's office space and went on to submit plans for a 31-story tower atop the Federal Reserve Bank Building in 2015.

How is Martin Selig's personal life intertwined with his professional achievements and contributions?

Martin Selig's personal life reflects his passion for art and family. An art collector himself, Selig owns works by Rembrandt and Toulouse-Lautrec and even paints. He was married to Andrea Selig, with whom he has three children, including Lauren, a Hollywood executive producer. Selig remarried artist Catherine Mayer. His personal connections and contributions to political causes, including donations to Republican campaigns, highlight his engagement beyond his real estate empire.