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, Georgia — Prominent Real Estate Developer and Philanthropist Tom Cousins Passes Away at 93
Tom Cousins, a distinguished figure in Atlanta’s real estate industry and a notable philanthropist, died Saturday at the age of 93. His life and career spanned more than four decades, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping Atlanta’s skyline and community infrastructure.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 7, 1931, in Atlanta, Cousins was raised in a modest household. His family moved frequently due to his father’s occupation as an auto distributor. During his youth, he held various jobs, including mowing lawns and delivering newspapers. Cousins attended grade school in Decatur and Rome, graduating from Darlington School in 1948. At age 16, he enrolled at the University of Georgia, earning his finance degree in the top 10% of his class. After college, he served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.
Beginning of His Business Career
Cousins launched his real estate journey with Knox Homes in Thomson, Georgia, quickly establishing himself as a top salesperson. In 1958, he co-founded Cousins Properties with his father, initially focusing on subdivisions, apartments, and shopping centers. By the 1960s, he became Georgia’s largest home builder and took his company public in 1962.
Major Developments and Community Contributions
Throughout the 1960s, Cousins purchased land in downtown Atlanta, including areas that would become The Gulch and sites for the Five Points MARTA station. He was a key developer behind several Atlanta landmarks, notably the CNN Center and the Omni International Hotel. The hotel later became the CNN Center when sold to media mogul Ted Turner in 1986.
In real estate development, Cousins announced the twin-crowned 191 Peachtree Tower in 1988, a significant 50-story building that became part of Atlanta’s skyline. In 1989, he unveiled plans for Bank of America Plaza, which at 1,023 feet became the tallest building in the southern United States.
Cousins was also instrumental in bringing professional sports franchises to Atlanta. In 1968, he purchased the St. Louis Hawks basketball team for over $2 million and relocated the team to Atlanta. Later, he acquired an NHL expansion franchise called the Flames. His investments in sports facilities included the Omni Hotel, built to support these teams, which later transitioned into the CNN Center.
Community Redevelopment Initiatives
Beyond commercial projects, Cousins dedicated efforts to neighborhood revitalization. He notably contributed to redeveloping the East Lake Meadows housing project, working to improve safety and reduce crime. His efforts were recognized for revitalizing a historically underserved community and restoring opportunities in the neighborhood.
Philanthropy and Community Support
Cousins’s philanthropic work extended to education and culture. Through his foundation, he supported numerous universities, including Auburn University, Emory University, and Georgia State University. He also contributed to cultural institutions like the High Museum of Art. His involvement included serving on important boards such as the University of Georgia Foundation and the Georgia Research Alliance.
Leadership and Family
He served as CEO of Cousins Properties until 2002 and remained as chairman until December 2006. Cousins is survived by his wife Ann Cousins, his children Grady Cousins and Lillian Giornelli, as well as several grandchildren. He also mourns the loss of his child, Caroline, who died in 1999.
Legacy
Tom Cousins’s life was marked by his impactful development projects and his commitment to improving Atlanta’s communities. His work transformed key parts of the city’s skyline, sports landscape, and neighborhoods, leaving a lasting legacy of urban growth and civic engagement.
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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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