The vibrant skyline of Atlanta, a testament to transformative urban development.
Atlanta, GA, July 30, 2025
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.
Tom Cousins, a prominent figure in Atlanta’s real estate and community development scene, died at the age of 93. His career, spanning more than four decades, left a lasting mark on the city’s landscape and civic life.
Born on December 7, 1931, in Atlanta, Georgia, Cousins grew up in a modest family. His father was an auto distributor, and the family moved frequently during his childhood. Cousins attended grade schools in Decatur and Rome before graduating from Darlington School in 1948. Demonstrating academic promise early on, he entered the University of Georgia at age 16, earning a finance degree and graduating in the top 10% of his class. After college, he served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.
He launched his real estate career with Knox Homes in Thomson, Georgia, quickly establishing himself as a top salesman. In 1958, alongside his father, he founded Cousins Properties, which grew into one of Georgia’s leading developers. By the 1960s, Cousins had become the largest home builder in Georgia and went public with his company in 1962.
Cousins’s early projects included office buildings like the Piedmont-Cain Building, completed in Atlanta in 1965. Starting in 1966, he bought land in downtown Atlanta, including areas that would later become The Gulch and sites for the Five Points MARTA station. His vision extended to landmark projects such as the CNN Center and the Omni Hotel, which was initially built to support Atlanta’s sports teams. The Omni later became the CNN Center after being sold to media mogul Ted Turner in 1986.
In 1968, Cousins purchased the St. Louis Hawks NBA team for over $2 million and moved it to Atlanta, fostering professional sports in the city. He also acquired a National Hockey League expansion franchise, naming it the Flames. His developments in sports infrastructure included the Omni International Hotel, pivotal for these teams.
He was instrumental in the design and construction of major skyscrapers such as the 191 Peachtree Tower in 1988 and the Bank of America Plaza in 1989, which stands as the tallest building in the southeastern United States at 1,023 feet.
Beyond buildings, Cousins played a vital role in community redevelopment. His efforts in East Lake, Georgia, notably revitalized the East Lake Meadows housing project, reducing crime and encouraging economic growth. The neighborhood’s transformation was widely praised, and it hosted the Tour Championship golf tournament.
Cousins’s philanthropic work included donations of land for the Georgia World Congress Center and support for higher education and cultural organizations. His donations benefited universities such as Auburn, Emory, and Georgia State, along with cultural institutions like the High Museum of Art. He served on various boards, including the University of Georgia Foundation and the Georgia Research Alliance.
Cousins served as CEO of Cousins Properties until 2002 and as chairman until 2006. His influence extended beyond real estate development to community revitalization projects that transformed neighborhoods and contributed significantly to Atlanta’s cultural and civic landscape.
He was survived by his wife, Ann Cousins; two children, Grady Cousins and Lillian Giornelli; several grandchildren; and a child, Caroline, who died in 1999. His legacy is marked by his contributions to Atlanta’s growth, sports, and community well-being.
Throughout his career, Tom Cousins demonstrated a commitment to building not only skylines but also communities. His work has left an indelible mark on Atlanta, shaping it into a more vibrant and attractive city.
He was responsible for major landmarks like the CNN Center, Omni Hotel, and Bank of America Plaza, and played a key role in bringing NBA and NFL teams to Atlanta. His community work, especially in East Lake, also stands out as a significant contribution.
He grew up in Atlanta, graduated early from university with a finance degree, and served in the U.S. Air Force before starting his career in real estate.
He revitalized neighborhoods such as East Lake, reduced crime, and promoted economic growth, transforming formerly distressed areas into thriving communities.
He donated land for the Georgia World Congress Center, supported universities and cultural institutions, and funded community redevelopment projects.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Birth | December 7, 1931, in Atlanta |
| Major Projects | CN Center, Omni Hotel, Bank of America Plaza, East Lake redevelopment |
| Sports Involvement | Owned St. Louis Hawks, acquired NHL Flames |
| Philanthropy | Donated land, supported universities and museums |
| Leadership roles | CEO and Chairman of Cousins Properties |
| Death | Age 93, in 2024 |
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