Orland Park advances downtown plan with University of Chicago Medical Center tie and Heroes Park funding

Orland Park officials on Monday outlined an amended redevelopment agreement that pairs a hospital anchor with public‑space investments intended to stabilize long‑planned downtown redevelopment.

Village Manager George Kazwar said the plan strengthens the downtown district by pairing a ground lease with the University of Chicago Medical Center with an amended redevelopment agreement that includes performance safeguards and predictable revenue streams. "This plan delivers stable recurring revenues about $10.16 million in ground rent over 25 years plus $322,500 annually from lease to garage sales," Kazwar said, noting those sums would be earmarked to offset Heroes Park construction, debt service and long‑term operations.

Why it matters: The combined agreement is intended to remove speculative financial risk from a prior plan, provide a daytime medical anchor that increases foot traffic for retail and restaurants, and create a programmed public park at the center of the redevelopment. Kazwar said Heroes Park will be a public, year‑round gathering place featuring programmed uses and a perpetual park covenant to ensure long‑term stewardship. Construction is scheduled to begin in late summer with a projected completion in summer 2027.

What officials said: Kazwar emphasized that the parking structure will continue to provide weekday access for the anchor while remaining open to the public in evenings and on weekends. He also said the village has preserved protections in the redevelopment deal so that if the village does not meet its commitment a development right would revert to the owner. "If the village delivers its commitment to the project, construction must begin within 36 months. Otherwise, development rights revert," Kazwar said.

Context and next steps: The board approved an RDA amendment and a letter of intent with UCMC at a June 15 meeting, officials said; staff still must finalize a ground lease and undertake due diligence. Village staff agreed to distribute parcel maps and the RDA amendment text to participating taxing bodies and to meet with school and township staff to answer technical questions about timing and fiscal impacts. The village manager said the goal is to fund the park and related infrastructure without increasing pressure on the general fund.