The businessman who bought the NBA star Michael JordanThe “haunted” mansion has sparked uproar from its neighbors in a tony suburb of Chicago after it revealed plans to turn the property into what it described as an “immersive” tourist destination that will be “focused on personal transformation”.
A native of Nebraska John Cooper bought the nine-bedroom, 19-bathroom Highland Park mansion in December 2024—paying just $9.5 million for the abode, which was on the market at the time for $14.89 million.
Since then, he has made several attempts to turn the property—which he renamed Champions Point—into a lucrative income source, first offering it as a type of luxury timeshare, with offers starting at $1 million each, then pivoting to offer it as a luxury Airbnb.
Now, he pivoted again, according to ABC7, revealing plans to transform the iconic dwelling into a tourist destination with “living classes” where guests will be treated to an “immersive, multisensory experience focused on personal transformation.”
“The theme of the tour will be ‘greatness,’ and our goal is to teach people what it means to be great in life,” Cooper told the Highland Park City Council during a recent meeting to discuss his proposed zoning changes for the property.
The businessman added that he wants to partner with local organizations, such as schools and charities, to offer free entry—he promised that the museum would be of great benefit to the surrounding area.
“Although it is a commercial enterprise, I believe there will be a great benefit for the community and for everyone who has to experience the museum,” he said.
However, his promises of community enrichment did little to quell the concerns of council members, who noted that Cooper’s plans require much more work before a permit would be granted to turn the property into any type of business.
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 foreigners coming in and out right next to our door gives us a lot of fear,” said one person during the December 15 meeting.
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 on his proposal and discussions are expected to continue.
“The Park District received a proposal from Mr. Cooper’s resident at 2700 Point Lane, and the Park Board authorized the Executive Director to explore the possibility of a partnership with Champions Point that would provide a public benefit to the community, congruent with the District’s Mission and policies approved by the board,” says a statement from the Highland Park Council.
Property records indicate the residence is still listed on the rental market for $89,000 a month.
Cooper’s plans for a museum come nearly a year after he closed on the house—marking the end of a 13-year struggle by Jordan to find a buyer, after he first listed his massive estate for $29 million in 2012.
In the beginning, Cooper was full of promise for what was to become of the famous dwelling—he promised to protect its heritage, while hinting at the “exciting plans” he had prepared for the house, which he noted early on would not serve as his main residence.
However, those exciting plans soon hit more than a few roadblocks, with Cooper making multiple attempts to turn the property into a profitable business venture only to be met with disappointment—and apparent failure—at every turn.
The struggles began two months after the businessman bought the house, when he announced plans to turn it into a luxury timeshare, offering pieces of the iconic home for $1 million each.
The proposal would allow bidders to invest in pieces of the property, starting at $1 million each—with Cooper simultaneously announcing that he had named the property Champions Point.
However, the timeshare concept never seems to have taken off, prompting Cooper to rethink his plans for the expansive residence.
In February 2025, he put the entire dwelling on the rental market for $230,000 per month, describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to rent a “world-class property” that was designed for “those who live and breathe sports.”
When listing the home for rent, Cooper shared images of the updates he made to the interior, revealing new furniture additions and a completely renovated kitchen with modern amenities.
The listing photos revealed one rather surprising update to the abode: the removal of Jordan’s iconic “Jumpman” logo from the center of the indoor basketball court.
Additionally, the listing description made no mention of Jordan’s previous ownership of the home, instead attempting to appeal to a wider variety of sports fans, beyond those who may have been devotees of the NBA legend or his former team, the Chicago Bulls.
“Champions Point is a sports lover’s sanctuary, featuring a regulation-sized basketball court, championship-level putting green, tennis court, fitness center, and play areas,” the listing—which is still active—reads.
“The ultimate retreat—elevate your game-day experience like never before. Watch every buzzer-beater, Cinderella story, and championship moment unfold in your private sports haven.
“Whether you’re courtside in your own regulation-size indoor basketball arena, hosting an epic viewing party in the state-of-the-art theater, or celebrating victories in the luxurious cigar lounge and wine cellar, every moment at Champions Point is designed for those who demand excellence—on and off the court.”
Once again, the property failed to take off—prompting Cooper to dramatically drop the asking price, not once, but twice, first to $150,000 a month then, more recently, to just $89,000 a month.
Months later, in June, Cooper revealed he was back with another business venture for the home, this time rebranding the abode as a luxury rental on Airbnb, which launched on June 30.
“Champions Point has always been a legendary property. Now, we’re making it possible for more people to experience that magic firsthand through our partnership with Airbnb Luxe,” Cooper said in a statement. “Whether it’s a family retreat, a milestone celebration, or an unforgettable getaway with friends, this property offers an unparalleled experience in luxury living.”
According to Airbnb, the home’s classification as one of its “Luxe” dwellings is a clear sign of its impressive heritage and promises to provide guests with “exceptional design, luxurious amenities, and high-touch services.”
“Each Luxe property must undergo a rigorous 300-point inspection focused on form, function, feel, location, and service—to ensure each stay meets elevated standards for comfort, style, and experience,” said an Airbnb spokesperson.