Construction Updates at Orland Park Costco and Amazon Retail Center

Shoppers at the Orland Park Costco should expect ongoing construction into next year. The store is expanding its gas station while adding a roundabout to the exit. This construction, alongside the Amazon retail center work at the intersection of 159th Street and LaGrange Road, is designed to improve traffic flow and accessibility in the area.

Orland Park’s engineering director, Khurshid Hoda, explained the strategy to tackle these projects simultaneously. This approach, though causing short-term inconvenience, aims to speed up overall completion. The Village Board approved Costco’s plans to address significant growth in membership and sales. The plan involves relocating the gas station west of Ravinia Avenue and adding 20 more pumps, although an initial plan included 40 pumps.

The construction of the roundabout and most of the Ravinia Avenue extension to 161st Street should finish by year-end. However, the new gas station is expected to open next year. The current gas station will be demolished, freeing up space for more parking. Hoda noted that expanding the gas station could make this Costco store the top performer in the state by sales volume.

The store is required to fund the roundabout construction as a condition of project approval, providing a comprehensive traffic solution. A new lane will funnel traffic into the parking lot while exits will route through the roundabout. This roundabout is designed to accommodate large vehicles such as 18-wheelers and emergency vehicles.

The Amazon retail center, at nearly 230,000 square feet, will connect to this roundabout once the Ravinia Avenue extension finishes. This development could redirect up to 25% of traffic from the 159th Street and LaGrange Road intersection, helping to ease congestion.

Katie Jahnke Dale, an attorney representing Amazon, shared that this development will offer a unique shopping experience. Customers can use their phones or in-store kiosks to locate items not present on the sales floor. They can also have items brought to their vehicles. Access points for retail customers will be from 159th Street, LaGrange Road, or 161st Street, while delivery drivers will use entry points off 161st Street.

Six acres of the site will be open and landscaped space, with plans for a stormwater detention area. The store aims to open by late next year, further enhancing the local shopping experience.