Nine months after Atlanta business icon Herman J. Russell died in November 2014, his three children received a letter from lawyers representing Joycelyn Alston of New York. Real estate and property development had always been at the core of the Russell companies, but the unpredictable real estate market created enough concern for the company to look at other areas. We will celebrate his life and learn from his example. We are saying good-bye to the physical aspect of a person but I know the person is still alive. The program described his achievements as an entrepreneur, his love of family and of friends. Russell & Co. in 1979, Russell asked Perry to do a growth plan for the company, which took him six months to complete. In 2001, he continued his personal investment in the revitalization investment of his companys neighborhood, including construction of The Castleberry Inn (now the Clarion Inn & Suites Atlanta Downtown), Legacy Lofts, Intown Lofts, and Paschals Restaurant. Russell Plastering Company with his father. The death Saturday of Atlanta business pioneer and philanthrophist Herman J. Russell brought a swell of reaction on social media and other channels. Im always confused on occasions like this, Young said. What Falcons NFC South rivals did in 2023 NFL draft. Numerous local leaders expressed their condolences and spoke about his legacy today. Herman said, If you give me 1 percent more of the profit, you can take my name off of it altogether.. Courtney English (@CourtneyEnglish) November 15, 2014, #ATL is forever indebted to #HJRussell-he helped transform our skyline & worked tirelessly 2 make our city better - he will truly be missed. The country has lost a GIANT, Herman J. Russell. As early as the age of 8, Herman J. Russell was inspired to build and own real estate, and to be his own employer. You can not bury Hermans laughter in that casket, Young said. Having the privilege of knowing him since childhood, as I grew, I was able to watch Mr. Russell grow and build this beautiful city with his hands, his words, and his deeds. Herman said, Vernon, do not speak all day. The Westside Gazette @ 2023 - Site Designed by No Regret Media, Carma Lynn Henry [1][2][3][4][5] He founded H. J. Russell & Company, the largest minority-owned real estate and construction business in the United States. A native of Atlanta, Herman J. Russell was an accomplished tradesman by the age of 12 having learned the plastering business from his father, Rogers Russell. Russell bought his first piece of land when he was 16 for $125. Building Atlanta: The Story of Herman J. Russell Documentary to be featured by Delta Air Lines Starting in Black History Month No words can express the depth of our sorrow as we remember Mr. H.J. Herman was not just a great man. 1986: Constructs Atlanta Gas Light Headquarters. When Russell told Khalil he had a new love Sylvia Anderson, he said: Shes my sugar Momma.. Andrew Young, a former Atlanta mayor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, echoed Reeds sentiments when he said, [Russell] was one of the giants of our time. 'The firm he built continues to shape what this city will look like for decades to come'. A multi-faceted organization providing integrated solutions and an exceptional customer experience, Russell has developed, designed/built, renovated, and managed some of the nations most complex, high profile projects involving multiple stakeholders and requiring exceptional diplomacy and skill, including the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the HHRM JV and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture with Clark Construction and Smoot Construction.