An Urban Explorer Captured Dystopian Images Of One NBA Star’s Abandoned Mansion

You’re standing in front of a rather creepy abandoned property that’s in desperate need of repair. Overgrown weeds surround a concrete exterior that’s smothered in graffiti. Fallen trees and debris litter its pathways. It looks like it could be used for the remake of The Haunted Mansion. And yet this used to be the palatial home of NBA star Ken Norman!

Nearby golf course

This sinister-looking home is situated along the public road of S. Kedzie Ave. in the Illinois village of Flossmoor. The local high school is just across the road, while a CVS pharmacy is only a leap over its surrounding walls. It’s also a dream location for any wannabe Tiger Woods, with a golf course named Coyote Run almost within touching distance. 

Built around a smaller house

The property in question was bought for $430,000 by Los Angeles Clippers star Norman in 1989 — although it looked a lot more humble at the time. Yes, the home was initially a relatively small one. But as Norman continued to establish himself as an NBA favorite, and reap the financial rewards in the process, he began to build around it.

Five bedrooms and bathrooms

By 1997 the home boasted an area of 7,152 square feet. It also housed five bathrooms and bedrooms, an outdoor court where Norman could shoot some hoops, and an indoor swimming pool. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune newspaper nearly 20 years later, friend Kendall Gill still appeared in awe of his fellow NBA star’s vision. 

Truly luxurious

Gill said, “To me, it was his masterpiece. He incorporated the old structure into the new structure. It was kind of cool how he did it... About a third of the old house was left. The fireplace was left from the old house, right in the center. It was truly luxurious.”