City leaders in Highland Park have skeptically left the door open for what Mayor Nancy Rotering likened to a Graceland-type tourist attraction at Michael Jordan’s former mansion.
Real estate developer John Cooper bought the property at 2700 Point Lane last year for $9.5 million.
On Monday, during a Committee of the Whole meeting, he presented his latest idea formally for the first time; it was an open conversation where city council members could get a better sense of his vision, which would require a zoning change to make happen. Cooper introduced early plans for what he calls “Champions Point.”
“Champions Point has the potential to become a world-class museum uniting people from all ages and backgrounds under a common purpose. To explore what it means to be great in life,” he said, noting the legacy of the Bulls’ icon and impact it has on young kids.
Cooper is selling the idea as an economic driver with a nonprofit arm to support community growth. He anticipates 300 visitors per day, which at least one city council member thought was overly optimistic.
The vision would rely heavily on cooperation from the park district, to which Cooper said he would offer 5% of gross ticket sales. His proposal includes 48 days a year of free community programming, about 13% of its operating time.
“When your neighbors bought their homes, this was a residential area and continues to be zoned residentially,” Rotering said. “The other 87% you’re not really talking about.”
City leaders, who already nixed an idea for the property to be used as a high-end timeshare, expressed concern over the impact to the nearby Helen Nature Center, which Cooper would potentially use as a drop-off site for his shuttle, so guests could walk to the mansion.
A line of skeptical neighbors stood up Monday night to voice their opposition. Some shared their dislike for the parties Cooper hosted at the property over the summer.
“Loud music, heavy traffic, buses and hundreds of strangers entering a quiet residential enclave,” said one neighbor.
“So we hear the noise, and we’re burdened by this,” said another.
A couple of supporters spoke up too, including a woman who brought a group of Chicago youth to the property earlier this year to play on the basketball court.
“This project not only celebrates the legacy of a Chicago icon but also brings economic growth and opportunity,” Claudia Martin said.
Cooper said he plans to fund environmental and traffic studies. Monday’s presentation was the first step in a lengthy process.
Council member Anthony Blumberg said he’s concerned about the precedent that would be set if the council entertained the idea of a zoning change.
“We’re essentially opening this up,” he said.
“I’m not optimistic about this,” said council member Yumi Ross. “But a little more discussion would be worthwhile.”
By a 4-3 margin, Cooper’s idea remains alive for now. More public comment and public hearings are ahead.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
