Investors Begin to De-Jackson Neverland

Abandoned ranch spruced up in hopes of a sale
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 13, 2009 7:03 AM CDT
Investors Begin to De-Jackson Neverland
The gates of Neverland Ranch are seen in front of Julien's Auctions Michael Jackson exhibit in Beverly Hills, Calif.    (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

Michael Jackson's virtually abandoned ranch is being given a makeover as part of an effort to get the singer's finances back on track, the Wall Street Journal reports. The investment firm that co-owns Neverland has begun sprucing up the grounds and removing many traces of Jackson, who vowed never to return to the ranch after he was acquitted on child molestation charges in 2005.

The firm hopes to eventually sell the ranch, and believes its value could soar if Jackson's comeback is a success. The singer's amusement park rides and ornate gates have been hauled away but the company is considering leaving other quirks, like a make-believe "Indian village," intact. "You can't wipe out Neverland entirely," the project manager said. "It's part of the history of the place." (More Michael Jackson stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X