The three-time heavyweight champion and humanitarian, then known as Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., lived with his parents and younger brother in the 3300 Block of Grand Avenue in the Parkland neighborhood from the age of four to 18. This was from 1947 to 1961, when he learned to box and achieve success becoming a professional boxer and Olympic gold medalist.
The Clay family eventually moved out and the home fell into disrepair over the decades.
Former Pennsylvania boxing commissioner George Bochetto and his business partner, the late Jared Weiss, then restored it and turned it into a museum. Both of them fans of Ali, they spent more than a year renovating the 1,200-square-foot, two-bed, one-bath home to look like it once did, according to a release. They also bought two neighboring homes, one of which became a welcome center and gift shop.
Bochetto is ready to pass the home to someone and the home is on the market along with the neighboring properties for $1,500,000. The properties represented by Rusty Underwood and Donna Gail Mattox of Christie’s International Real Estate Bluegrass.
“This home is an incredibly special piece of American history and is a vital part of the life of one of our world’s greatest athletes,” said Underwood. “The current owners would like to see this home continue to operate as a museum, so we are hoping someone with the knowledge, passion and financial wherewithal to preserve this international landmark comes forward to buy the property.”
“This home is just like it was when we were boys,” said Ali’s brother, Rahaman Ali. “My brother dreamed of being a boxing champion in this house – it’s truly where his enduring legacy began.
“Muhammad Ali is an international icon, and perhaps nowhere more beloved than in his hometown of Louisville,” added Bochetto. “I believe there’s a healthy market for a museum at this site if this home finds an owner with the marketing and operational know-how to launch it.”
Monday marked the 8th year of the passing of Ali. Many members of the community gathered at Cave Hill Cemetery to honor his life.
