Dick's Sporting Goods proposes new House of Sport for Orland Park Mall

The Village of Orland Park's Committee of the Whole meeting on June 16, 2025, featured a significant presentation from Dick's Sporting Goods regarding their plans to transform the vacant Sears space at Orland Park Mall into a new "House of Sport." The meeting began with procedural adjustments, allowing for the presentation to take precedence.

Vince Corno, Senior Vice President of Real Estate for Dick's Sporting Goods, outlined the company's vision for the new store format, which aims to enhance customer experience through a larger, more interactive retail space. The proposed House of Sport would span approximately 120,000 square feet, significantly larger than the current store, which is about 100,000 square feet. Corno emphasized the importance of the Chicagoland market to Dick's Sporting Goods, noting that Orland Park is a key submarket.

The House of Sport concept includes unique features such as an outdoor field for testing sports equipment and hosting community events, which Corno described as a way to create a vibrant shopping environment. He highlighted the success of similar locations, stating that these stores have increased foot traffic and sales for both Dick's and surrounding mall retailers.

Corno also discussed the substantial investment required for the project, estimating construction costs at around $40 million, with total investments potentially reaching $50 million. He indicated that the company is seeking financial participation from the local government to help facilitate this development, referencing successful partnerships in other communities that have provided incentives for similar projects.

During the discussion, Trustee Jesse Lawler inquired about Dick's commitment to the Chicagoland area, to which Corno responded that while they have plans for additional locations, the Orland Park House of Sport would be among the first in the region.

The meeting concluded with Corno inviting questions from the board, reiterating the potential benefits of the House of Sport for the community, including increased sales tax revenue and revitalization of the mall area. The proposal is positioned as a transformative opportunity for both Dick's Sporting Goods and the Village of Orland Park, contingent upon securing the necessary support for the investment.