Atlanta, GA, July 29, 2025
News Summary
Tom Cousins, a legendary real estate mogul and philanthropist, has died at 93. Known for his transformative contributions to Atlanta’s landscape, he founded Cousins Properties and was a key player in the city’s development. Cousins’ legacy includes major developments and significant philanthropic efforts, particularly in the East Lake neighborhood, where he championed community improvement initiatives. His impact on both Atlanta’s urban evolution and local communities will be remembered for decades to come.
Atlanta
Tom Cousins, a prominent real estate mogul and philanthropist, has died at the age of 93. Cousins, who passed away peacefully, is celebrated for his transformative impact on Atlanta’s landscape, both as a businessman and a community advocate. His extensive contributions spanned several decades, playing a crucial role in shaping the city into a dynamic urban area.
Born on December 7, 1931, Cousins began his illustrious real estate career in the late 1950s, initially selling houses for $11,000 alongside his father. In 1958, he co-founded Cousins Properties, starting as a home builder before transitioning to office development. Under his leadership, the company not only thrived but also became a key player in Atlanta’s real estate market.
Throughout his career, Tom Cousins was instrumental in landmark developments, including the CNN Center, the Omni Coliseum, the 191 Peachtree Tower, and Bank of America Plaza, which remains the tallest building in Atlanta today. His vision transformed downtown Atlanta during the 1970s and 1980s, alongside fellow developer John Portman.
Sports and Community Engagement
Cousins’ influence extended beyond real estate; he made significant contributions to sports as well. He owned the St. Louis Hawks, an NBA team that he relocated to Atlanta, facilitating the NBA’s expansion into the Deep South. Additionally, he briefly owned the Atlanta Flames, a National Hockey League team.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Beyond his commercial success, Cousins was known for his dedication to community betterment. He championed redevelopment initiatives, particularly in the East Lake neighborhood of Atlanta. In 1995, he purchased the East Lake Golf Club with the intention of using profits to support the local community. This effort laid the groundwork for the creation of the East Lake Foundation and the establishment of Purpose Built Communities, a nonprofit organization aimed at replicating successful community redevelopment models in other cities.
His work significantly improved living conditions and reduced crime rates in the East Lake area, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents. Additionally, he played a key role in securing the PGA Tour Championship for the East Lake Golf Club, further integrating the community into the broader sporting landscape.
Legacy and Surviving Family
Tom Cousins served as the chief executive officer of Cousins Properties until 2002 and continued as chairman until December 2006. His philanthropic efforts included substantial donations to educational and cultural institutions in Georgia, reflecting his belief in the importance of community support.
Cousins is survived by his wife, Ann Cousins; two children, Grady Cousins and Lillian Giornelli; several grandchildren; and one deceased daughter, Caroline. His legacy continues to be honored in Atlanta through the enduring impact of both his real estate developments and community initiatives.
Key Achievements Overview
| Achievement | Description |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Career | Founded Cousins Properties, influential in Atlanta’s real estate development. |
| NBA Ownership | Owned the St. Louis Hawks, relocated to Atlanta. |
| NHL Ownership | Briefly owned the Atlanta Flames. |
| Major Developments | Developed CNN Center, Omni Coliseum, Bank of America Plaza. |
| Community Initiatives | Worked for the redevelopment of East Lake neighborhood, founded Purpose Built Communities. |
FAQ
What were Tom Cousins’s major contributions to Atlanta?
Tom Cousins contributed significantly to Atlanta’s development through major real estate projects, sports team ownership, and community redevelopment initiatives, particularly in the East Lake neighborhood.
How did Tom Cousins impact the East Lake community?
Cousins transformed the East Lake neighborhood through his purchase of the East Lake Golf Club and the establishment of the East Lake Foundation, which focused on local community development and crime reduction.
When was Cousins Properties founded?
Cousins Properties was founded in 1958 by Tom Cousins and his father.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WSBTV: Atlanta Real Estate Tycoon Tom Cousins has Died at 93
- AJC: Tom Cousins, Seminal Atlanta Developer and Philanthropist, Dies
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Tom Cousins’ Legacy and Impact
- Global Golf Post: The Legacy of Tom Cousins
- Wikipedia: Tom Cousins
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
