Tom Gilmore

Real Estate Developer

Tom Gilmore is a developer of residential, commercial and retail properties based in Los Angeles, California.

Gilmore's residential projects are primarily in downtown Los Angeles and have been recognized as a leading cause of the city's largest resurgence in real estate investment in more than 50 years. His projects have also initiated the greatest in-flow of residents and commercial businesses in the modern history of Los Angeles.

Gilmore studied architecture at City University of New York, City College. While still a student, Gilmore founded his own architectural firm serving both commercial and residential clients. In 1992, Gilmore relocated to Los Angeles where, in 1996 he founded Gilmore Associates, a real estate development firm committed to urban revitalization and renewing the city's long-neglected historic core.

Gilmore Associates' redevelopment efforts began with an impoverished area in Downtown Los Angeles which had some of the highest unemployment and crime rates in the city. Gilmore purchased an entire city block of vacant historic buildings and within a few years converted the abandoned structures to loft-style residences with retail stores and restaurants on the ground floor. Known as "The Old Bank District," the area is now home to thousands of residents and numerous commercial tenants. Gilmore, along with Gilmore Associates and Gilmore China Group, continues to pursue, invest in, and develop mixed-use properties throughout the region.

In addition to The Old Bank District and a number of other properties in the Los Angeles region, Gilmore Associates purchased the city's first cathedral, St. Vibiana's, which was damaged in the Northridge earthquake and scheduled for demolition. Now called simply Vibiana, after a major preservation and reconstruction process, the former cathedral is home to a thriving performance venue, event space and the award-winning restaurant Redbird, and in addition, serves as host to weddings of all denominations and cultures. For that effort, Gilmore was presented with the California Preservation Foundation's "Preservationist of the Year" award when Vibiana was saved from the wrecking ball back in 2001.

Along with receiving numerous awards for his development and civic duties, Gilmore serves on several city and non-profit boards. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc); Founding Member of the Main Museum; Mayoral-Appointee Chairman of Sister Cities of Los Angeles; Chair of Central City Association (CCA); Executive Committee Board Member of Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Bureau; and Board Member Los Angeles Parks Foundation. Gilmore previously served as City Commissioner for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and was Chairman in his final year of service. Gilmore joined the ArtCenter College of Design Board of Trustees in 2019.