UPDATE: Amazon is making headlines today with plans for a massive new retail location in Orland Park, Illinois. The e-commerce giant is set to transform a historic site at the southwest corner of 159th Street and LaGrange Road, marking a significant shift from its online-only model to a substantial brick-and-mortar presence.
This new development is projected to span 225,000 square feet on a sprawling 35-acre site, previously occupied by Petey’s II restaurant. If approved, this store will be one of Amazon’s largest physical retail ventures in the Chicagoland area to date.
According to the plans submitted with the special-use permit application, the store aims to offer a diverse range of products, including groceries, general merchandise, and even on-site dining options for prepared foods. Shoppers will enjoy the convenience of picking up items like bananas, batteries, and a hot lunch all in one trip, with online order pickups integrated into the shopping experience.
The proposal also includes 837 parking spaces and seven loading docks, with a smaller warehouse component to streamline in-store operations. Mayor Jim Dodge emphasized the potential economic boost, calling this investment “a strong signal about the vitality of our community.” He noted that the project could generate significant sales tax revenue to support local services and infrastructure.
The site’s strategic location along a major commercial corridor positions this development as a long-term anchor for the area. Village leaders are keen on framing this initiative as a step toward revitalizing local commerce amidst evolving shopping trends.
This new store represents Amazon’s latest foray into hybrid retail spaces, following its recent experiments with bookstores and cashier-less Amazon Go stores. The emphasis appears to be on blending digital convenience with the tactile experience of in-person browsing.
The proposal will be discussed at the upcoming Orland Park Plan Commission meeting, with final approvals expected in subsequent Village Board sessions. While a grand opening date remains unannounced, Chicagoland residents could soon experience this innovative new shopping destination, a shift that could reshape retail in the region.
Stay tuned for live updates as this story develops and the public weighs in on Amazon’s ambitious plans in Orland Park.
