Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), known globally as one of the top five retail companies, is planning to expand its physical retail operations by proposing a major new store in Orland Park, Illinois. The proposal centers on a sizable commercial development on the site previously occupied by Petey’s II restaurant, located at the southwest corner of 159th Street and LaGrange Road. Covering approximately 35 acres, this location represents a strategic spot along one of Orland Park’s busiest commercial corridors.
The planned construction involves a one-story commercial building with an expansive footprint of 229,000 square feet. Notably, this size surpasses that of a standard Walmart Supercenter, indicating Amazon’s ambition to create a substantial retail presence in the area. While the primary focus of the project is retail, the development will also feature a limited warehouse component, reflecting Amazon’s integrated retail and logistics strategy.
Beyond the main retail building, the plan includes several potential commercial outlots, offering flexibility for future commercial ventures and investments within the site. This aspect highlights Amazon’s consideration of long-term growth opportunities within the Orland Park area, potentially shaping the commercial landscape of this notable Illinois village.
Amazon’s proposal has moved through preliminary approvals, having received the green light from the Orland Park Plan Commission. The next crucial step is a full vote by the village board, scheduled for January 19, which will determine whether the plan progresses towards implementation.
This initiative is part of Amazon’s broader efforts to expand its physical retail footprint. In recent years, Amazon has ventured into various brick-and-mortar formats, including bookstores, fashion stores, convenience marts, and supermarkets. While some retail concepts have been retired or evolved, the company continues to explore opportunities for physical store expansion that complement its robust online presence.
From the perspective of the Orland Park community, the development promises financial benefits. The projected sales tax revenue from the retail operations is expected to provide ongoing support for municipal services and capital improvement projects. Importantly, this growth in tax base would come without an increase in residential density, a consideration given the commercial nature and current activity level of the targeted corridor.
In summary, Amazon’s application to establish a large-format retail facility on a 35-acre property in Orland Park represents a significant investment and a notable development in the village’s commercial environment. With plans that exceed the size of comparable big-box retailers and include future commercial development opportunities, the proposal aligns with Amazon’s evolving physical retail strategy and Orland Park’s economic goals.
January 10, 2026
Finance
Amazon Eyes Expansion with Large-Scale Retail Project in Orland Park
Proposed development aims to introduce a major retail presence on a key commercial corridor in Illinois
Hana Yamamoto
Consumer Staples Analyst
Summary
Amazon has submitted a proposal to establish a significant retail facility in Orland Park, Illinois, on a 35-acre site formerly occupied by a restaurant. The development would feature a single-story building larger than a typical Walmart Supercenter and include several commercial outlots. The project intends to strengthen Amazon’s foothold in physical retail, generate substantial sales tax revenue for the village, and avoid adding residential density to an already busy area.
Key Points
Amazon proposes a large-scale, single-story retail store in Orland Park, Illinois, on a 35-acre site formerly occupied by Petey’s II restaurant.
The planned building will be 229,000 square feet, exceeding the typical size of a Walmart Supercenter, and will include a limited warehouse space.
Multiple commercial outlots are included in the proposal, indicating plans for additional commercial development on the site.
The project aims to generate sales tax revenue to fund municipal services while avoiding added residential density in an already busy commercial area.
Risks
- The proposal is pending approval by the full village board, with a vote scheduled, introducing uncertainty to the project’s realization.
- The success of the large-format retail store depends on Amazon’s continued commitment to expanding physical retail after previous changes to its brick-and-mortar strategies.
- Integrating a large retail and limited warehouse space effectively will require operational precision to meet community and corporate expectations.
- The development’s impact on traffic and local infrastructure in a heavily traveled corridor may prompt community concerns or require additional municipal planning.
Disclosure
Education only / not financial advice