What Is the Future of Neverland?

Thomas Barak, manager of the real estate firm Colony Capital, is a partner with the Michael Jackson Foundation in owning the Neverland ranch. He recently told Bloomberg Television that he wants to bring Neverland back to the era of its early prosperity and splendor.

“Our plan is to bring Neverland back to its former greatness. This is an amazing place. Not only does Michael’s beautiful and gentle spirit flow through it, but the legacy of a thousand-year-old Indian civilization is also imprinted on it. We are restoring this place and returning it to its original form. In reality, we are caretakers and servants of a very special place.”

Barak also said there are no commercial plans for the property, and it is up to the Michael Jackson Foundation and Michael’s mother, Katherine, to decide Neverland’s fate.

Neverland was Michael’s home from 1988 to 2005. After the false accusations made against Michael, the property was raided by police forces several times. In June 2005, Michael was acquitted of all charges, but because of the insults and disrespect directed at Neverland, he never returned there again.

In 2006, Neverland was vacated. In November 2008, Michael, along with Thomas Barak, founded Sycamore Valley Ranch and placed Neverland under the ownership of this company. Sycamore Valley Ranch is the property’s former name. When Michael bought it in 1988, he changed its name to Neverland Valley Ranch.

During its 17 years, Neverland hosted poor, sick, and disabled children. Many charitable foundations, with or without Michael present, brought the children they supported to Neverland for free entertainment.

Source: eMJey.com / wsj.com