The village of Orland Park is making significant strides toward the long-awaited development of its downtown area, with plans to break ground this fall in collaboration with Edwards Realty. This initiative aims to fulfill a vision established in 2004 for a pedestrian-friendly downtown environment, following an investment of approximately $150 million in public-private partnerships, land acquisition, and infrastructure improvements.

At a recent village board meeting, officials approved a conceptual master development plan for a 9.15-acre site known as the Main Street Triangle, which is currently designated as a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. TIF is a financial tool designed to stimulate economic growth by allowing developers to fund projects that would otherwise be unfeasible due to high redevelopment costs. The TIF district will freeze property tax increases at current levels, using the increment above this frozen level to finance the development, which is projected to increase property values and generate additional tax revenue for the community.

The development will feature over 140,000 square feet of new commercial space, including retail, restaurants, and entertainment venues, while intentionally excluding residential units. Central to the project will be Heroes Park, designed for various outdoor activities and community events, complemented by a water feature and extensive landscaping. The area will also include a North Pond, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and providing a scenic overlook for visitors.

Strategically located along a commuter rail line, the downtown area is classified as a transit-oriented development (TOD), promoting accessibility to jobs and services. The development plans incorporate over 1,450 parking spaces, exceeding the projected needs based on an independent parking study. Traffic studies indicate that proposed modifications to local roadways will effectively manage the anticipated increase in traffic without compromising internal operations.

The total estimated cost for the downtown Orland Park project, including all improvements, is approximately $80.5 million. As the village moves forward, the completion of this project is expected to revitalize the area, enhance community engagement, and bolster local economic growth.