News Summary
Tom Cousins, a prominent figure in Atlanta’s real estate and community development sectors, has passed away at the age of 93. Over four decades, his work significantly impacted the city’s landscape, contributing to its sporting and cultural institutions. Cousins co-founded Cousins Properties, constructed landmark buildings, and was involved in community renewal efforts. His legacy includes revitalized neighborhoods, educational support, and significant contributions to Atlanta’s identity.
Atlanta Loses a Legendary Real Estate Developer and Philanthropist
Atlanta, Georgia — Tom Cousins, a prominent figure in Atlanta’s real estate industry and a dedicated philanthropist, has passed away at the age of 93. His death marks the end of an era characterized by significant contributions to the city’s development, sports, and community revitalization efforts.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 7, 1931 in Atlanta, Cousins grew up in a modest household. His family moved frequently due to his father’s occupation as an auto distributor. During his youth, he took on various jobs, including mowing lawns and delivering newspapers, which helped lay the groundwork for his strong work ethic.
He attended grade school in Decatur and Rome before graduating from Darlington School in 1948. Demonstrating an early aptitude for academics, Cousins entered the University of Georgia at age 16. He graduated in the top 10% of his class with a degree in finance. Following college, he served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.
Beginning of a Business Empire
Cousins launched his real estate career in the late 1950s, initially working with Knox Homes in Thomson, Georgia, where he quickly became a top salesperson. In 1958, he co-founded Cousins Properties with his father, transforming it into a leading company involved in developing subdivisions, apartments, and shopping centers across Georgia and beyond.
By the 1960s, Cousins had become Georgia’s largest home builder. He took his company public in 1962, accelerating its growth. His early projects included the Piedmont-Cain Building in Atlanta, completed in 1965, marking his entry into office development.
Major Real Estate and Development Achievements
Starting in 1966, Cousins focused on downtown Atlanta, purchasing land that would become The Gulch and sites for the city’s Five Points MARTA station. His vision extended beyond buildings; he contributed significantly to Atlanta’s sports history by purchasing the St. Louis Hawks basketball team in 1968 for over $2 million, successfully relocating it to Atlanta. He also acquired an NHL franchise, naming it the Flames.
The Omni International Hotel, developed to support Atlanta’s sports teams, later became the CNN Center when sold to Ted Turner in 1986. Cousins’s skyline influence included the announcement in 1988 of the twin-crowned 191 Peachtree Tower and the 1989 unveiling of Bank of America Plaza, which stands as the tallest building in the southern United States at 1,023 feet.
Community Revitalization and Philanthropy
Beyond real estate, Cousins played a pivotal role in community development, especially in the East Lake neighborhood. He led efforts to revive the area through restoring the East Lake Golf Club and reducing crime in East Lake Meadows housing projects. His work earned widespread praise for transforming the neighborhood into a vibrant community that attracted the Tour Championship.
Cousins was also a philanthropist who supported numerous educational pillars such as Auburn University, Emory University, and Georgia State University. He contributed to cultural institutions, notably the High Museum of Art. His service extended to leadership roles on foundations and research alliances, including the University of Georgia Foundation and Georgia Research Alliance.
Later Years and Legacy
Cousins served as CEO of Cousins Properties until 2002 and was chairman until December 2006. His leadership and community efforts left an indelible mark on Atlanta’s physical and social landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Cousins; two children, Grady Cousins and Lillian Giornelli; several grandchildren; and a daughter, Caroline, who passed away in 1999.
Summary
Tom Cousins’s life was defined by his entrepreneurial spirit, transformative real estate developments, and unwavering commitment to community improvement. His legacy continues to influence Atlanta’s skyline, sports culture, and neighborhoods, leaving a lasting imprint on the city he helped shape for more than four decades.
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Additional Resources
- WSBTV: Atlanta Real Estate Tycoon Tom Cousins Has Died at 93
- NBA.com: Original Hawks Owner Tom Cousins Dead at 93
- AJC: Tom Cousins, Seminal Atlanta Developer and Philanthropist Dies
- WSB Radio: Tom Cousins, Real Estate Tycoon Who Helped Shape Atlanta Skyline Dies at 93
- Global Golf Post: The Legacy of Tom Cousins
- Wikipedia: Tom Cousins
- Google Search: Tom Cousins Atlanta
- Google Scholar: Tom Cousins
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tom Cousins
- Google News: Tom Cousins
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