Gene Kansas is a nationally recognized developer, preservationist, placemaking expert, and author of Civil Sights, based out of Atlanta, Georgia.

Kansas, a cultural developer focused on people, place, and program, is known for transforming overlooked historic properties into vibrant economic and community assets, among other award-winning preservation and development projects — including the historic Atlanta Daily World Building, which he redeveloped in Atlanta's Sweet Auburn neighborhood, birthplace of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. The project was named the #2 Win nationally in Historic Preservation by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2014.

He is also the founder of Constellations, a civic and socially based shared workspace that has helped host more than 1,000 culturally oriented events and brought more than 60 new businesses to downtown Atlanta since opening in 2018.

Through his work revitalizing neighborhoods and iconic buildings like these, Gene has demonstrated that successful development involves more than financing and construction; it involves creating places that attract investment, foster community identity, and generate lasting civic and social value.

Drawing on decades of experience at the intersection of real estate, culture, and economic development, Gene challenges developers to think beyond the pro forma and consider how great projects shape the future of a city. His work offers a compelling model for how thoughtful development can deliver both strong financial returns and meaningful community impact.