Construction Projects at Orland Park: Costco’s Expansion and Amazon’s New Development
Overview of Orland Park Upcoming Projects
Shoppers visiting the Orland Park Costco should anticipate construction work extending into next year. The store is expanding its gas station while simultaneously adding a roundabout to the exit.
Additionally, construction efforts are underway for Amazon’s retail center located at the southwest corner of the 159th Street and LaGrange Road intersection. These developments are part of the village’s Ravinia Avenue extension project, set to connect the retail center to Costco via the new roundabout.
“We thought if they are all happening at the same time — yes it is a bigger pain, but then we will come out of it and then be done with it — instead of one goes and the next comes and the next comes,” Orland Park engineering director Khurshid Hoda said. “It stretches the pain a little bit longer.”
Costco’s Expanded Gas Station Plans
About a year ago, the Village Board approved plans for Costco to accommodate significant growth in membership and sales at the 9915 W. 159th St. store, operational since 2006. Engineering director Khurshid Hoda announced Tuesday the initiative involves relocating the gas station away from the store, placing it west of Ravinia Avenue, and adding 20 more pumps.
The original concept proposed 40 pumps, but the revised plan features 32 pumps, with the flexibility to increase in the future.
While the construction for the roundabout and most of the Ravinia Avenue extension to 161st Street is expected to conclude by the end of the year, the new gas station is projected to open next year. Once finished, the existing gas station will be demolished, which will free up space for additional parking.
Hoda stated the Orland Park Costco ranks number two in the state for sales volume, potentially becoming the top location following the gas station’s expansion.
Originally, stop signs were considered for managing traffic, but the village insisted on a roundabout. Hoda believes the roundabout offers a more comprehensive solution, directing traffic towards the expanded gas station and 159th Street.
Traffic Management Enhancements
On the north side of the store, a new lane will facilitate access to the parking lot, and shoppers will exit through the roundabout. The roundabout accommodates 18-wheelers and emergency vehicles.
Amazon’s retail center will also benefit from the roundabout once the Ravinia Avenue extension is complete. The village anticipates the extension will redirect up to 25% of traffic away from the intersection of 159th Street and LaGrange Road.
Katie Jahnke Dale, representing Amazon, described the retail space at the former Petey’s II restaurant site as a unique concept, offering an advanced shopping experience.
Amazon’s Innovative Retail Development
Plans for Amazon’s 229,000-square-foot retail space involve a contemporary shopping experience. Customers can view and purchase items in-store, or use kiosks to find products not available on the sales floor. Orders can be delivered to vehicles either at the store entrance or in designated parking spots.
Retail visitors will access the store from 159th Street, LaGrange Road, or 161st Street, while delivery drivers enter from the south or west entrances off 161st Street, with a dedicated parking area south of the building.
Six acres of the development site will include open, landscaped spaces, complemented by a constructed stormwater detention area.
According to plans, Amazon’s store is on schedule to open late next year.