Board reviews Downtown Orland Park redevelopment plan, including $33 million in potential village support

Orland Park — Village staff and Edwards Realty presented a detailed update on the Downtown Orland Park redevelopment and a proposed redevelopment agreement that could commit up to $33 million in public support for infrastructure and park work.

The presentation covered the redevelopment’s history, a conceptual master plan for roughly 9.15 developable acres in the Main Street Triangle TIF District, parcel-level uses, a schedule of approvals and the financial and legal protections the village will require before transferring title for any parcel.

Why it matters: The project would redevelop a long‑vacant downtown site, relocate major utilities through Heroes Park, create a civic and entertainment hub, and use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and a special sales tax to reimburse certain eligible expenses. The plan aims to convert underused land into a mixed-use center, but it requires complex interagency coordination and financing commitments.

What presenters described: Edwards Realty’s concept envisions mixed-use buildings on Parcels A and B (commercial ground floors with offices, hospitality or residential options above), a civic/entertainment building at the Crescent Park site, an expanded Heroes Park, and outlots on La Grange Road. Presenters said the plan originally included more residential but was modified; in December 2022 Edwards removed residential uses from its proposal for certain parcels.

Financial and schedule highlights presented to the board included: - Up to $33,000,000 committed through the redevelopment agreement: $10,000,000 earmarked specifically for Heroes Park and utility relocation and $23,000,000 for TIF‑eligible public improvements and land preparation. - Minimum development program across the site of about 146,900 square feet, including approximately 37,000 square feet of office/medical, 84,000 square feet of retail/restaurant/commercial and 26,000 square feet of entertainment (the village manager may allow ±20% adjustments with board oversight). - Developer‑estimated total project cost of roughly $130 million; presenters said phases would be financed incrementally with lender commitments required before any parcel conveyance. - Reimbursement for TIF‑eligible expenses is tied to final occupancy: requests for increment reimbursement cannot be submitted until 12 months after the final certificate of occupancy for a phase, and phases will include holdbacks and performance bonds to protect the village.

Developer and trustee remarks: Ramsey Hassan of Edwards Realty said the team pursued a plan that balances density, parking and cost, noting the difficulty of adding parking structures and the site’s existing constraints: “we really tried to do here is something that is not typically done,” he said, describing a design that centers Heroes Park and relies on the south parking deck to serve the site. Edward Hassan, also with Edwards, said he wants cultural uses including a theater and entertainment venues in the downtown. Staff member Christine described the utility relocation: two 48‑inch stormwater lines and several water mains will be relocated into public right-of-way; the developer will pay and be reimbursed as TIF-eligible work once conditions are met.

Village protections and approvals: Attorneys and staff outlined protections before transferring village land to the developer: for each parcel the developer must submit permit documents, lender commitments for that phase, insurance certificates, performance bonds for public improvements and a cash escrow equal to 10% of the estimated public improvement cost. The board was told the village will not transfer title until these conditions are met and that the redevelopment agreement contains a schedule for phased development.

What was approved previously and next steps: Staff recapped prior board actions: the village issued an RFP in 2018, selected Structured Development then later reengaged Edwards Realty after negotiations stalled, the plan commission recommended the conceptual plan in April 2022, the village board approved a term sheet in October 2023, and a plan development approval occurred on Aug. 5, 2024. Presenters asked the board for continued partnership and flexibility as the project advances and for help coordinating with external agencies.

Looking ahead: Staff said design and permitting work on utilities is complete and that the developer can begin relocation once the village gives authorization. Several trustees asked for copies of the presentation and for more time to review the redevelopment agreement; staff said the presentation will be posted on the village website.