Businessman who buys NBA stars michael jordanThe “cursed” mansion has caused an uproar among his neighbors in Chicago’s upscale suburbs by unveiling plans to turn the property into what he calls an “immersive” tourist destination that will be “focused on personal transformation.”
Nebraskan John Cooper Only $9.5 million was paid for the nine-bedroom, 19-bathroom Highland Park mansion in December 2024, when the home was on the market for $14.89 million.
Since then, he has made several attempts to turn the property (which he renamed Champions Point) into a lucrative revenue stream, first as a luxury timeshare with prices starting at $1 million per lot, and then moving toward offering it as a luxury Airbnb.
Now, he’s pivoted again, revealing plans to transform the iconic home into a destination with a “living classroom,” where guests will enjoy “an immersive, multi-sensory experience focused on personal transformation,” ABC7 reports.
“The theme of the tour will be ‘Greatness,’ and our goal is to teach people what it means to live a great life,” Cooper told the Highland Park City Council at a recent meeting to discuss his proposed changes to the property’s zoning.
The businessman added that he hoped to work with local organizations such as schools and charities to offer free admission and vowed that the museum would bring huge benefits to the surrounding area.
“Although it is a commercial enterprise, I believe it will be of great benefit to the community and anyone who visits the museum,” he said.
However, his promises of community enrichment did little to quell the concerns of council members, who noted that Cooper’s plan would require more work to gain approval to convert the property into any type of commercial enterprise.
Likewise, other local residents have serious doubts about the impact of the proposed museum on their community.
One person said at the December 15 meeting: “We are absolutely terrified by the thought of large numbers of strangers walking in and out of our homes.”
However, there are those who fully support the project, praising Cooper for celebrating “Chicago’s iconic legacy” and bringing Highland Park into the spotlight.
No decisions have been made on the project yet, but Cooper has been asked to provide more details about his proposal and discussions will continue.
“The park district has received a proposal from Mr. Cooper, a resident of 2700 Point Lane, and the park board has authorized the executive director to explore the possibility of a partnership with Champions Point that would provide a public benefit to the community while being consistent with the district’s mission and board-approved policies,” the Highland Park Board wrote in a statement.
Property records show the home is still listed on the rental market for $89,000 per month.
Cooper’s plan to build a museum comes nearly a year after he closed on the home, marking the end of Jordan’s 13-year struggle to find a buyer after he first listed his massive estate in 2012 for $29 million.
Initially, Cooper was hopeful about the future of the famous home – vowing to protect its legacy while hinting that he had “exciting plans” for the residence, which he noted early on would not serve as his primary residence.
However, these exciting plans soon hit some snags, and Cooper made several attempts to convert the property into a lucrative commercial enterprise, each time ending in disappointment and failure.
The fight began two months after the businessman bought the home, when he announced plans to turn it into a luxury timeshare, selling portions of the iconic home for $1 million each.
The proposal would allow bidders to invest in various portions of the property, with prices starting at $1 million per parcel, and Cooper announced he had renamed the property Champions Point.
However, the timeshare concept never seemed to catch on, prompting Cooper to reconsider his plans for a spacious home.
In February 2025, he put the entire residence on the rental market for $230,000 per month, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to rent a “world-class estate” designed for “those who live and love sport.”
While listing the home for rent, Cooper shared pictures of the updates he made to the interior, showing off new furniture additions and a fully renovated kitchen with modern amenities.
Listing photos show a rather surprising update to the home: Jordan’s iconic “Jumpman” logo has been removed from the center of the indoor basketball court.
Additionally, the listing description makes no mention of Jordan’s previous ownership of the home, instead trying to appeal to a wider range of sports fans, beyond those who may be fans of the NBA legend or his former teams. chicago bulls.
“Champions Point is a sports enthusiast’s mecca with full-size basketball courts, championship putting greens, tennis courts, fitness center and game areas,” reads the listing (which is still active).
“The ultimate retreat—elevate your game day experience like never before. Watch every buzzer-beater, Cinderella story and championship moment in your private sports paradise.
“Whether you’re courtside on your own full-size indoor basketball court, hosting an epic watch party in the state-of-the-art theater, or celebrating a victory in the luxurious cigar lounge and wine cellar, every moment at Champions Point is designed for those who strive for excellence on and off the court.”
However, the property once again failed to take off, leading Cooper to slash the asking price twice, first to $150,000 per month and most recently to $89,000 per month.
A few months later, in June, Cooper revealed that he had embarked on another business venture into the home, this time rebranding it as a luxury rental on Airbnb and launching it on June 30.
“Champions Point has always been a legendary estate. Now, through our partnership with Airbnb Luxe, we’re allowing even more people to experience that magic first-hand,” Cooper said in a statement. “Whether it’s a family vacation, a milestone celebration, or an unforgettable getaway with friends, this estate offers an unparalleled luxury living experience.”
According to Airbnb, the residence is listed as one of the “luxury” residences, a clear indication of its impressive heritage and its promise to provide guests with “exceptional design, luxurious amenities and high-quality service.”
An Airbnb spokesperson said: “Every Luxe property must pass a rigorous 300-point inspection focusing on form, function, feel, location and service, ensuring every stay meets a higher standard of comfort, style and experience.”