Thomas “Tom” Cousins, a pivotal figure in Atlanta’s real estate and Georgia civic circles, died at 93, his family told local media outlets.
Cousins shaped Atlanta’s skyline through landmark developments like the CNN Center and Omni hotel, revitalized the East Lake neighborhood, restored the East Lake Golf Club, and brought the Tour Championship to the city.
Tom Cousins: An Atlanta Business, Real Estate Icon
Talking about his upbringing, Cousins said his first job was as a newspaper boy. As he grew, he began to get anxious about this central question: “How am I going to make a living?”
Over his 40-year career, he brought NBA and NFL franchises to Atlanta, donated land for the Georgia World Congress Center, and left a lasting mark on the metro area.
A generous philanthropist and former Atlanta Hawks owner, Cousins served as CEO of Cousins Properties until 2002 and chairman until 2006.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens mourned his loss, stating, “Tom Cousins’ vision shaped our skyline, his generosity rebuilt communities, and his values defined modern Atlanta. His legacy will guide what leadership should be.”
Born on December 7, 1931, in Atlanta to Isaac Cousins, an auto distributor for General Motors, Tom grew up in a modest family that moved frequently. As a child, he mowed lawns, delivered newspapers, and worked for a pharmacy.
He attended schools in Decatur and Rome, graduating from Darlington School in 1948. At 16, he enrolled at the University of Georgia, graduating in the top 10% of his class with a finance degree.
Final Word
Thanks to Cousins, Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.
More Articles From AtlantaFi:
