the store was owned in the early 20th century by edgar j. kaufmann, patron of the famous fallingwater house. in the post-war years, the store became a regional chain in the eastern united states, and was last owned by federated department stores. at the height of its existence, it had some 59 stores in 5 states. formerly part of may department stores prior to that company's acquisition by federated on august 30, 2005, kaufmann's operated as part of the filene's organization in boston, massachusetts. on february 1, 2006, the filene's/kaufmann's organization was dissolved and the management of its stores was assumed by macy's east and the new macy's midwest. on september 9, 2006, macy's retired the kaufmann's name as federated department stores converted the former may company brands to its masthead. in 2015, macy's closed and sold the iconic pittsburgh store for redevelopment as part of the company's ongoing reorganization of its owned properties. core reality of philadelphia, the new owners of the building, have named the proposed mixed-use property "kaufmann's grand on fifth" in honor of the historic property.