In the rolling hills of Southington, Ohio, a sprawling 52-room mansion once stood as a testament to the opulent lifestyle of boxing legend Mike Tyson. Purchased in 1989 for a modest $300,000 at a sheriff’s sale, the estate was a symbol of Tyson’s meteoric rise as the youngest heavyweight champion in history. With its crystal chandeliers, tiger cages, and a pool larger than most homes, the mansion was the epitome of 1980s excess. However, financial troubles and personal turmoil forced Tyson to sell the property in 1999 for $1.3 million, leaving it to fall into disrepair. Today, this once-abandoned estate has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as an unexpected beacon of community and spirituality.

The mansion, spanning 19,500 to 27,000 square feet across 58 acres, was a spectacle in its prime. It featured five bedrooms, seven and a half bathrooms, a basketball court, and a massive indoor pool complete with a jacuzzi and gold-plated fixtures. Tyson, known for his extravagant spending, adorned the home with tiger print carpets, black marble, and mirrored ceilings, creating a party pad that hosted lavish gatherings. The iron gates emblazoned with his name and the cages that housed his pet tigers were iconic markers of his larger-than-life persona. Yet, after Tyson’s bankruptcy in 2003, the property changed hands, eventually falling into neglect. By 2010, it was a shadow of its former glory, with overgrown grass, a stagnant pool, and graffiti-marred walls.

In a twist few could have predicted, the abandoned mansion was acquired in 2010 by the Living Word Sanctuary Church for just $50,000, a fraction of its estimated $7.6 million rebuilding cost. The church, previously operating out of a local YMCA, saw the estate as a divine opportunity. Pastor Nicholas DeJacimo, who led the transformation, described the acquisition as a miracle, noting that the previous owner donated the property to write off back taxes. Over the next four years, approximately 150 church volunteers dedicated their time to restoring the mansion, turning it into a place of worship and community service.

The transformation was no small feat. The indoor pool, once a symbol of decadence, was filled in to create a sanctuary capable of seating 300 people. Tyson’s former living room, once filled with the buzz of celebrity parties, now serves as a welcoming gathering space adorned with biblical verses. The fireplace where Tyson displayed his boxing titles was converted into an indoor waterfall, adding a serene touch to the space. The four-bay garage was repurposed into classrooms and a nursery, while the tiger cages were dismantled to make way for an outdoor pavilion. The basketball court, one of the few remnants of Tyson’s era, remains intact for community events like picnics and Bible school activities.

The church’s efforts culminated in a quiet opening in late 2019, with a grand opening held once the lush landscaping was completed. The three acres of pond water surrounding the estate were restored, enhancing the property’s natural beauty. Pastor DeJacimo emphasized the community’s dedication, with 93-94% of the labor coming from church members who saw the project as a labor of love. The result is a space that not only serves as a house of worship but also provides expanded community services, a significant upgrade from the church’s humble beginnings.

The mansion’s journey from a symbol of extravagance to a place of spiritual renewal reflects a broader narrative of redemption. While Tyson’s time in the home was marked by wild parties and personal struggles, including his 1992 rape conviction and subsequent financial ruin, the estate now stands as a testament to second chances. The Living Word Sanctuary Church has breathed new life into a property that once seemed destined for decay, preserving its architectural grandeur while repurposing it for a higher purpose.

Today, the mansion attracts curious visitors and locals who marvel at its transformation. The iron gates bearing Tyson’s name, though faded, still hint at its storied past. For the community, the estate is no longer a relic of a fallen champion but a vibrant hub of faith and fellowship. As Pastor DeJacimo told the Warren Tribune-Chronicle, “God literally gave us this.” The story of Mike Tyson’s abandoned mansion is a reminder that even the most unlikely places can find new purpose, turning a forgotten palace into a sanctuary of hope.