Pecohub The businessman who purchased NBA star Michael Jordan’s “cursed” mansion has prompted uproar from his neighbors in a tony Chicago suburb after unveiling plans to turn the property into what he described as an “immersive” tourist destination that will be “focused on personal transformation.”
Nebraska native John Cooper purchased the nine-bedroom, 19-bathroom Highland Park mansion in December 2024—paying just $9.5 million for the dwelling, which had been on the market for $14.89 million at the time.
Since then, he has made several attempts to turn the property—which he renamed Champions Point—into a lucrative source of income, first offering it up as a kind of luxury timeshare, with bids starting at $1 million each, then pivoting to offer it as a luxury Airbnb.
Now, he has pivoted yet again, according to ABC7, revealing plans to transform the iconic dwelling into a tourist destination with “living classrooms” where guests will be treated to an “immersive, multisensory experience focused on personal transformation.”
“The theme of the tour is going to be ‘greatness,’ and our goal is to kind of teach people what it means to be great at life,” Cooper told the Highland Park City Council during a recent meeting to discuss his proposed changes to the property’s zoning.
The businessman added that he wants to partner with local organizations, like schools and charities, to offer free admission—vowing that the museum would be of huge benefit to the surrounding area.
“Although it is a commercial enterprise, I believe there will be great benefit to the community and anybody who gets to experience the museum,” he said.
However, his promises about community enrichment did little to quell the concerns of council members, who noted that Cooper’s plans need far more work before permission will be given to turn the property into any kind of business venture.
Similarly, other residents in the local area have raised serious doubts about the impact that the proposed museum will have on their community.
“The thought of a large number of strangers coming in and out right next to our door brings us a lot of fear,” one person said during the meeting on Dec. 15.
However, there are some who fully support the project, praising Cooper for celebrating “the legacy of a Chicago icon” and for shining a spotlight on Highland Park.
No decision has yet been made on the project, however Cooper has been asked to provide more detailed information regarding his proposal and discussions are due to continue.
“The Park District has received a proposal from resident Mr. Cooper at 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 public benefit to the community, congruent with the district’s Mission and board approved policies,” a statement from the Highland Park Council reads.
Property records indicate that the dwelling is still listed on the rental market for $89,000 a month.
Cooper’s plans for a museum come almost one year to the day after he closed on the dwelling—marking the end of a 13-year struggle by Jordan to find a buyer, having first listed his enormous property for $29 million in 2012.
