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.
Initially, Cooper was full of promise for what was to become of the famous dwelling—vowing to protect its legacy, while hinting at the “exciting plans” he had lined up for the home, which he noted early on would not serve as his primary residence.
However, those exciting plans quickly hit more than a few hurdles, with Cooper making multiple attempts to turn the property into a lucrative business venture only to be met with disappointment—and seeming failure—at every turn.
The struggles began two months after the businessman purchased the home, when he announced plans to turn it into a luxury timeshare, offering up slices of the iconic dwelling for $1 million each.
The proposal was going to allow bidders to invest in pieces of the property, starting at $1 million each—with Cooper announcing at the same time that he had renamed the property Champions Point.
However, the timeshare concept doesn’t seem to have ever taken off, prompting Cooper to rethink his plans for the expansive abode.
In February 2025, he put the entire dwelling on the rental market for an eye-watering $230,000 a month, describing it as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to lease a “world-class estate” that was designed for “those who live and breathe sports.”
In listing the home for rent, Cooper shared images of the updates he made to the interior, unveiling new furniture additions and a fully renovated kitchen with modern amenities.
The listing photos revealed one rather surprising update to the dwelling: the removal of Jordan’s iconic “Jumpman” logo from the center of the in-house basketball court.
Additionally, the listing description made no mention of Jordan’s former 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 gaming 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-sized indoor basketball arena, hosting an epic viewing party in the state-of-the-art theatre, or celebrating victories in the luxury cigar lounge and wine cellar, every moment at Champions Point is designed for those who demand excellence—on and off the court.”
Yet again, the property failed to take off—leading Cooper to dramatically slash 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 dwelling as a luxury rental on Airbnb, which launched on June 30.
“Champions Point has always been a legendary estate. 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, milestone celebration, or unforgettable getaway with friends, this estate 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 pass a rigorous 300-point inspection focused on form, function, feel, location, and service—ensuring every stay meets elevated standards for comfort, style, and experience,” an Airbnb spokesperson said.
