Atlanta, July 30, 2025
News Summary
Tom Cousins, a prominent real estate developer and philanthropist, has passed away at the age of 93. His contributions to Atlanta’s skyline and community development were significant, including iconic projects like the Bank of America Plaza and the Georgia World Congress Center. In addition to real estate, Cousins made a lasting impact through his sports ownership and philanthropy, notably with Purpose Built Communities.
Atlanta Mourns the Loss of Tom Cousins, Influential Developer and Philanthropist
Atlanta lost a significant figure in its history on [insert date], as Tom Cousins, renowned real estate developer and philanthropist, passed away at the age of 93. Cousins was celebrated for his instrumental role in transforming Atlanta’s skyline and enhancing the community’s cultural landscape.
Cousins, the founder of Cousins Properties, was directly responsible for the development of iconic buildings such as 191 Peachtree and the Georgia World Congress Center. His contributions from the 1970s to the 1990s dramatically reshaped the downtown skyline, positioning Atlanta as a significant urban center in the Southeastern United States. Among his most notable projects was the creation of the Omni International complex, which later evolved into the CNN Center. The Bank of America Plaza, developed in 1992, remains the tallest building in the U.S. Southeast at 1,123 feet.
Cousins Properties was established in 1958, initially focusing on single-family homebuilding before venturing into commercial real estate. Today, it stands as one of the leading investors in office properties in the Southeast, managing over 20 million square feet of commercial space across major metropolitan areas including Atlanta, Dallas, and Phoenix.
Professional Sports and Community Impact
Beyond real estate, Cousins owned professional sports teams including the NBA’s St. Louis Hawks before relocating the franchise to Atlanta, as well as the NHL’s Atlanta Flames. His impact extended into community development, where he revitalized the East Lake Golf Club and led the successful redevelopment of the East Lake Meadows housing project, transforming it into a thriving mixed-income community.
Cousins was also deeply involved in philanthropic efforts. He was instrumental in raising $32 million to preserve Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s personal papers and donated land for the Georgia World Congress Center. His philanthropic spirit was characterized by a commitment to educational and cultural institutions, as well as initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty through strategic community development. Under his leadership, Purpose Built Communities was founded to address systemic issues in urban neighborhoods.
A Life of Service and Legacy
Born on December 7, 1931, in Atlanta, Cousins began his career at a young age, selling $11,000 homes alongside his father. He attended the University of Georgia at 16 years old, graduating in finance before serving in the U.S. Air Force. Known for his strong faith and devotion to family, he is remembered fondly by his children and community for his joyful disposition and visionary leadership.
Tom Cousins is survived by his wife, Ann, two children, Grady Cousins and Lillian Giornelli, along with several grandchildren. His legacy continues to influence Atlanta even after his passing in Florida, where he remained active in community affairs until his hospitalization.
Conclusion
The passing of Tom Cousins marks a significant loss for Atlanta, a city that benefited immensely from his vision and dedication. His contributions as a developer, sports team owner, and philanthropist have left an indelible mark on the city, shaping both its built environment and social community.
FAQ
Who was Tom Cousins?
Tom Cousins was a 93-year-old influential real estate developer and philanthropist based in Atlanta, known for significant contributions to the city’s skyline and community development.
What buildings did Tom Cousins develop?
He developed notable buildings including 191 Peachtree, the Georgia World Congress Center, and the Bank of America Plaza, the latter being the tallest building in the U.S. Southeast.
What was Cousins’ impact on the Atlanta community?
Cousins significantly impacted Atlanta through community development projects, sports ownership, and philanthropic efforts, including founding Purpose Built Communities and revitalizing East Lake Meadows.
Key Features of Tom Cousins’ Life and Career
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Tom Cousins |
| Born | December 7, 1931 |
| Pioneer in | Real Estate Development |
| Key Developments | Bank of America Plaza, Georgia World Congress Center, Omni International complex |
| Philanthropy | Donated land for the Georgia World Congress Center, funded preservation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s papers |
| Survived by | Wife Ann, children Grady and Lillian, grandchildren |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- AJC: Tom Cousins, Seminal Atlanta Developer and Philanthropist, Dies
- Wikipedia: Tom Cousins
- WSBTV: Atlanta Real Estate Tycoon Tom Cousins Has Died at 93
- Google Search: Tom Cousins
- Atlanta News First: Atlanta Real Estate Mogul Tom Cousins Dies at 93
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tom Cousins
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Tom Cousins’ Legacy Impact
- Google News: Tom Cousins
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Tom Cousins, Architect of Atlanta’s Skyline, Dies at 93
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.
