Polish Highlanders Alliance Explores New Location for Cultural Center

The Polish Highlanders Alliance of North America’s local chapter plans to relocate from the Southwest Side to the southwest suburbs, and officials in Orland Park are enthusiastic about the potential cultural center in their village. Mayor Jim Dodge recently met with three representatives from the organization and approximately 200 residents at Signature Barn Banquet Hall to discuss possible developments near Interstate 80 and La Grange Road.

Mayor Dodge expressed strong support for the project, stating, “I’d love to see that development in Orland. It attracts a lot of people to Orland Park, which is beneficial for our commercial base and community.”

According to Krzysztof Zoltek, the organization’s secretary general, the Polish Highlanders Alliance is negotiating to purchase a vacant commercial property near Interstate 80 and La Grange Road, owned by St. Xavier University. The existing center in Chicago at 4808 S Archer Ave no longer meets the needs of a shifting Polish American population, prompting the search for new locations.

“It was built with community effort—a lot of artisanal work went into that place,” Zoltek said. “If we could relocate it to the suburbs where the community is now, we would love to, but that’s not possible.”

The organization has been searching for months for a new location throughout the southwest suburbs, aiming to accommodate members who frequently travel long distances for events. They have struggled to find a site large enough for both a banquet hall seating 1,000 people and outdoor activities.

The site near I-80 and La Grange Road would cost $3 million for the land and an additional $15 million to construct the cultural center. While the price is higher than they would like, Zoltek is keen to continue discussions with Orland Park following the event on May 29.

“We’ve received offers, and it’s important that we had the chance to present ourselves to the community,” Zoltek stated. “Dialogue and introduction are crucial to see if there’s a mutual fit.”

Mayor Dodge, who grew up near the organization’s current site, values the vibrant culture of the Polish American community. He acknowledges cost hurdles but is willing to assist the organization in the approval process if they proceed with the move.

“For any ethnic group that embraces American life while preserving cultural heritage, projects like this are vital. They maintain language, music, art, and culture,” Dodge commented. “These assets and events support a community’s sense of belonging.”