Champions Point Museum Proposal Unanimously Denied by Highland Park City Council

Residents raised concerns about increased traffic and visitors in quiet residential neighborhood

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:05pm

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The Highland Park City Council unanimously voted down a proposal to turn basketball star Michael Jordan's former home, known as Champions Point, into an immersive museum experience. The property owner, John Cooper, sought to change the city's zoning code, but faced strong opposition from neighbors who were worried about the impact of increased traffic and visitors in their quiet residential area. After hearing from the public and council members, the city ultimately decided the museum plan did not align with the character of the neighborhood.

Why it matters

The decision highlights the challenges cities face in balancing the desire to attract tourism and economic development with preserving the character and quality of life in residential neighborhoods. It also shows the power of local community input in shaping land use decisions, even for high-profile properties with famous former owners.

The details

John Cooper, the owner of Champions Point, originally proposed turning Jordan's former home into an immersive museum experience dedicated to greatness. However, both community members and city council members expressed concerns about the potential increase in traffic and visitors the museum could bring to the quiet neighborhood. After receiving feedback, Cooper made some changes to his proposal, but it was ultimately not enough to sway the council, which voted unanimously to deny the zoning change needed for the museum.

  • In December, Cooper first proposed the museum idea to the Highland Park City Council.
  • On Monday, March 31, 2026, the Highland Park City Council unanimously voted down the proposal.

The players

John Cooper

The owner of Champions Point, Michael Jordan's former home, who proposed turning the property into an immersive museum experience.

Highland Park City Council

The local governing body that unanimously voted down the proposal to change the zoning code and allow the Champions Point museum.

Nancy Rotering

The mayor of Highland Park, who said allowing the zoning change would set a dangerous precedent for commercial enterprises in residential neighborhoods.

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What they’re saying

“The highest priority here is to maintain the integrity of the neighborhood. There are neighbors who live on Point Lane and Museum Drive there, and I want to make sure that this is not affecting their day-to-day lives.”

— John Cooper, Champions Point Owner

“Highland Park has always been a special place, and I think with Champions Point, it could become the kind of destination that other North Shore communities will look at and wish they had. I don't want this opportunity to pass us by.”

— Resident

“We've heard comparisons to Ravinia Festival and suggestions that it could serve as a community asset. But the reality is much simpler. There's nothing inherently unique about this property itself. This perceived specialness is based entirely on who used to live there, Michael Jordan, and not anything the property actually is today that matters.”

— Resident, Neighbor in Architecture Point neighborhood

“I think this sets a bad precedent because there are plenty of other interesting spots that could potentially become something commercial in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I have concerns about, probably for a lot of people who live in the neighborhood, their greatest asset suddenly being degraded by virtue of a commercial enterprise being next door.”

— Nancy Rotering, Mayor of Highland Park

What’s next

The city council's decision effectively ends the proposal to turn Champions Point into a museum. The property owner, John Cooper, would need to find another use for the home that aligns with the city's residential zoning regulations.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tension cities face in balancing economic development and tourism opportunities with preserving the character and quality of life in residential neighborhoods. Even high-profile properties with famous former owners may not be enough to overcome strong community opposition to commercial uses that are seen as incompatible with the surrounding area.