The Orland Park Village Board has granted final approval for Amazon to open a new retail store at 9600 159th Street. The project, spanning 35 acres, received approval on Monday night and is projected to open in late 2027 at the earliest.
Store Details
The estimated 230,000-square-foot store will offer general merchandise, household items, and groceries. Amazon states the store will not require a Prime membership and will feature pickup areas and online order integration. It will include approximately 800 parking spaces. The development involves the demolition of the former Petey’s II restaurant. Over half of the building will be dedicated to back-of-house operations, and it will not serve as an e-commerce warehouse or fulfillment center.
Community Concerns and Approval Process
Some residents voiced concerns regarding the project's approval timeline and potential traffic increase in the area. Village attorneys stated that public notification rules were followed. The project underwent a two-week approval process, including two public comment meetings. The Plan Commission voted 6-1 to approve the development, which then moved to the Committee of the Whole and the Board of Trustees. Two trustees voted to delay the project. Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge stated that the private sector transaction would generate sales tax revenue and strengthen a key corridor.
Economic and Traffic Impact
Amazon expects the store to create 500 jobs, with approximately half being full-time positions, in addition to about 200 temporary construction jobs. A traffic study conducted by Amazon indicates that traffic in the area could increase by 5% to 6% by 2033, projecting around 10,060 new daily vehicle trips. To address potential congestion, a new traffic signal, additional turn lanes, and an extension of Ravinia Avenue to 161st Street are planned. Amazon has also committed to scheduling truck deliveries, estimated at 27 trucks daily, during off-peak hours.
Amazon's Retail Expansion
This development is part of Amazon's broader strategy in physical retail. The company has launched other concepts, including Whole Foods Market Daily Shop and a store-within-a-store model at Whole Foods. Amazon currently operates over 50 Amazon Fresh stores, 14 Amazon Go convenience stores, and more than 500 Whole Foods locations, though its cashier-less Go stores have experienced closures in recent years.