Orland Park leaders updated residents that the village has completed acquisition of the Riviera Country Club and commissioned architects and engineers to assess reuse options, but cautioned that restoring pools and interior facilities will be costly.
"The ink is now dry. So, the village owns Riviera," Mayor Dodge said, describing early assessments that found the club's structure broadly sound but the interior in need of substantial remodeling. He said officials do not yet know whether to re-open the pools because filtration systems across village facilities need replacement — noting one complex's filters alone could cost around $4 million.
Officials also highlighted large infrastructure needs elsewhere in Orland Park. The mayor estimated fixing chronic flooding on part of 143rd Street at roughly $85 million and said such projects require long lead times and multi‑agency funding. "You gotta build a land bridge," he said, describing the scale of work needed where water accumulates west of Wolf Road.
On economic development, officials said discussions with Simon Property Group on Orland Square continue and that incentives helped DICK'S take an anchor space; they noted an Amazon project nearby is already moving dirt and will alter retail dynamics. Mayor Dodge said the village stays in frequent contact with property owners to encourage capital investments and to maintain safety and retail appeal.
No firm timelines were announced for Riviera reuse or the 143rd Street project; officials said they will return with engineering findings and funding plans.