The businessman who bought the NBA star Michael JordanHis “haunted” mansion has sparked uproar from his neighbors in a toned-down Chicago suburb after he revealed plans to turn the property into an “immersive” tourist destination that will be “focused on personal transformation.”
Originally from Nebraska John Cooper purchased the nine-bedroom, 19-bathroom Highland Park mansion in December 2024 — paying just $9.5 million for the home, 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 profitable source of income, first offering it as a kind of luxury timeshare, with offers starting at $1 million each, then pivoting to offer it as a luxury Airbnb.
Now, he’s pivoted again, according to ABC7, revealing plans to transform the iconic home into a tourist destination with “living classrooms” where guests will be treated to an “immersive, multi-sensory experience focused on personal transformation.”
“The theme of the tournament 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 proposed zoning changes for the property.
The businessman added that he wants to work with local organizations such as schools and charities to offer free entry, vowing that the museum will be of great benefit to the surrounding area.
“Although it is a commercial enterprise, I think there will be great benefits to the community and to anyone who experiences the museum,” he said.
However, his promises of community enrichment failed to assuage the concerns of council members, who noted that Cooper’s plans needed a lot more work before permission would be granted to turn the property into some kind of business.
Similarly, other residents in the local area have raised serious doubts about the impact the proposed museum will have on their community.
“The thought of a large number of foreigners coming in and out right at our door gives us a lot of fear,” one person said during the Dec. 15 meeting.
Still, there are some who fully support the project, praising Cooper for celebrating the “legacy of a Chicago icon” and for putting Highland Park in the spotlight.
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 set to continue.
“The Park District received a proposal from resident Mr. Cooper 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 public benefits to the community consistent with the District’s mission and Board-approved policies,” the Highland Park Board said in a statement.
Property records show the home is still listed on the rental market for $89,000 a month.
Cooper’s plans for a museum come nearly a year to the day after he closed on the home — marking the end of a 13-year struggle by Jordan to find a buyer after he first listed his enormous property for $29 million in 2012.
Initially, Cooper was full of promises for what would become the famous home — vowing to protect his legacy while hinting at the “exciting plans” he had in store for the house, which he noted early on would not serve as his primary residence.
However, those exciting plans quickly hit more than a few roadblocks, with Cooper making several attempts to turn the property into a profitable venture only to be met with disappointment – and apparent failure – at every turn.
The fighting began two months after the businessman purchased the home, when he announced plans to turn it into a luxury apartment, offering pieces of the iconic home for $1 million each.
The proposal was 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 never seems to have caught on, prompting Cooper to rethink his plans for the extended home.
In February 2025, he put the entire home on the rental market for $230,000 a month, describing it as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to rent a “world-class estate” that was designed for “those who live and breathe sport.”
In listing the rental home, Cooper shared images of the updates he’s made to the interior, revealing new furniture additions and a fully renovated kitchen with modern amenities.
The listing photos revealed a rather surprising update to the home: the removal of Jordan’s iconic “Jumpman” logo from the center of the basketball court.
In addition, 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 might have been followers of the NBA legend or his former team. Chicago Bulls.
“Champions Point is a sports lover’s sanctuary with a regulation-sized basketball court, championship level field court, 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 sound, Cinderella story and championship moment unfold in your private sports paradise.”
“Whether you’re on the court in your own regulation-sized indoor basketball arena, hosting an epic viewing party in the state-of-the-art theater or celebrating victories in the luxurious cigar and wine lounge, every moment at Champions Point is designed for those who demand excellence – on and off the court.”
Again, the property failed to take off—prompting Cooper to dramatically lower the asking price, not once, but twice, first to $150,000 per month, then more recently to just $89,000 per month.
Months later in June, Cooper revealed that he was back with another venture for the home, this time rebranding the home 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 “Luxury” accommodations is a clear sign of its impressive heritage and promises to offer guests “exceptional design, luxury amenities and high-touch service.”
“Each Luxe property must pass a rigorous 300-point inspection focused on form, function, feel, location and service – ensuring each stay meets high standards of comfort, style and experience,” said an Airbnb spokesperson.