Amazon's new big box prototype Orland Park residents, officials weigh in
Taste of Home: Inside family-owned Cello Cafe
ORLAND PARK, Ill. -- Orland Park has long been a retail hub in the southwest suburbs, but a massive new development is about to change its landscape.
A first-of-its-kind Amazon "supercenter" is officially coming to the southwest corner of 159th Street and La Grange Road. The 230,000-square-foot project, approved by a 5-2 village board vote, marks a significant shift for both Amazon and the Orland Park community.
Part 1: Mayor's vision
In the latest edition of Coffee Chat, ABC7's Tanja Babich sat down with Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge at Cello Cafe to discuss Amazon's interest in bringing this big box prototype to the village.
"I would describe it as basically somewhere in the Wal-Mart Supercenter and Costco kind of class of store," Mayor Dodge said. "We're thrilled that they came to Orland Park because they could have gone to a lot of suburbs. But that property that they purchase at 159th in La Grange is a prime property for retail."
The 35-acre site, once home to a bean field and the former Petey's II restaurant, is expected to generate significant revenue. Dodge estimates the building alone is at least a $70 million investment.
"It should be an immediate benefit," Dodge explained. "And so that benefits your schools, it benefits the village. We'll obviously get the sales tax and it also benefits substantively the township, which provides a lot of services to seniors. My estimate it's at least a $70 million building, just the building."
When asked about the project's timeline, the Mayor noted, "I think that they'd probably be ready to go sometime in summer."
Part 2: Community pushback
While village officials tout the economic benefits, the project is not sitting well with everyone. The scale of the facility and its "prototype" status have raised doubt among residents and some leaders.
"I've been on the board almost seven years," said Trustee Cynthia Nelson Katsenes, who voted against the plan. "And I don't think there's been any issue that has generated the calls, the questions, the concerns. I think with the size, the use of the building and there's always going to be traffic on that intersection. So gateway to Orland Park. So I think the concern was the unknown."
One major concern is the building's dual purpose. Katsenes pointed out that "almost 50% of it will not be access to the retail client. It will be they call it the back of the house where they will fulfill orders. And I think that's a concern for residents, that amount of space."
Resident Joe Solek says he worries about Amazon's commitment to a brick-and-mortar style prototype.
"As a longtime resident, I'm a little concerned that if this project does fail, the village will be stuck with a 230,000 square foot concrete warehouse looking development," Solek said. "This is going to be a prototype building. There's a financial risk with that."
Solek has started a Change.org petition to pause the development, which has already garnered 575 signatures. "Most people are not asking to kill the project," Solek clarified. "They're asking to pause the project, spend time explaining it to us."
Amazon's statement & strategy
Amazon provided the following statement to ABC7:
"We regularly test new experiences designed to make customers' lives better and easier every day, including physical stores. The site in question is our planned Orland Park location for a new concept that we think customers will be excited about. We're committed to being a good neighbor and value the partnership we've built with the Orland Park community." - Amazon Spokesperson
More background from Amazon:
Convenience & Selection: This new retail concept aims to allow customers to shop a broad selection of fresh groceries, household essentials, and general merchandise-all in one trip.
Neighborhood Engagement: Amazon stated it has participated in public forums, met with local officials and neighbors, and will continue that engagement.
The "Fulfillment" Factor: Similar to a pilot in Plymouth Meeting, PA, newer Amazon formats often feature automated micro-fulfillment centers in the "back-of-house" to handle online delivery and pickup alongside in-store shopping.
Physical Retail Growth: Amazon maintains that physical retail remains a core strategy, with more than 100 Whole Foods Market-branded stores currently in development.
Market Position: Amazon is already a go-to destination for grocery shopping for over 150 million Americans and is one of the top three grocers in the U.S.
Taste of Home: Inside family-owned Cello Cafe
Nestled in between all the big boxes and strip malls of Orland Park is Cello Cafe on 151st Street. The small-business cafe served as the backdrop for this week's Coffee Chat.
"You walk in as a customer, you walk out as family," said Hadeel Ayoub, owner of Cello Cafe.
The family and Arab-owned coffee shop offers a lengthy menu of carefully crafted beverages, crepes, and waffles and ice cream. Ayoub says her goal is to give everyone a "taste of home."
"I have a mix of different cultures... trying to reach everybody's tastes," Ayoub said. "From the young generation to the older generation."
Hadeel runs the shop with her two daughters and husband. Among her favorite items is the seasonal Maple Caramel Pecan iced coffee.
