“Let’s move some dirt!”
While that line might not be as well-known as “Gentlemen, start your engines!” before the Indy 500 race, Ramzi Hassan’s command could have a lasting impact on Orland Park.
Hassan, the president of Edwards Realty, is overseeing the village’s $80 million downtown development project near 143rd Street and LaGrange Road and, on March 27, he made sure village dignitaries and Edwards staff members were ready to get started with a ceremonial groundbreaking event.
After they all moved some dirt, a bulldozer broke though a banner hawking the development. No scissors and ribbons here.
When all is said and done, Hassan said the new project should be ready to open toward the end of 2026.
“What an incredible day it is for all of us,” he said. “Today marks the turning of a new leaf for Orland Park.
“As someone who has proudly called this vibrant community my home for over two decades I stand before you not just as the president of Edwards Realty but as a fellow resident whose heart beats in time with the pulse of this great village.”
It appears that the area will now be known as Downtown Orland Park as the Main Street Triangle moniker seems to be disappearing.
Edwards officials are calling it a “world-class” development featuring restaurants, retail, fitness, and daycare businesses. There will also be an entertainment district filled with bars, restaurants, and live music.
It will encompass more than 140,000 square feet, including 37,000 square feet of mixed office space, 84,000 square feet of retail, and 26,000 square feet of entertainment space, according to Edwards officials.
The new district will be situated adjacent to the Ninety7Fifty on the Park apartments, the University of Chicago Medicine Center for Advanced Care, and the 143rd Street Metra station.
The redevelopment also includes the expansion of Crescent Park, which will be renamed Heroes Park, and serve as a central activity hub for residents and visitors.
It will offer activities such as farmers’ markets, summer concerts, and winter ice skating. There will also be a pedestrian walkway overlooking the pond on the north side of the property.
Mayor Keith Pekau gave a history of the area, complete with a scolding of past administrations’ loss of money for the first phase of the project years ago, and added that it’s been a long process.
He thanked the Edwards people for their role in making this happen.
“They stuck with this project through an onslaught of personal attacks and misinformation,” Pekau said. “Through it all, we have finally arrived at a moment of promise.”
Pekau likes the final plans and can’t wait to see the buildings go up.
“This is a project that is market-driven and carefully planned,” he said. “It will seamlessly connect to the existing pedestrian-friendly area across LaGrange Road.
“After eight years of hard work, we’re finally breaking ground. The project is expected to be completed by the end of next year. I couldn’t be more excited.”
This land the former Orland Park
Mayor took by Eminent Domain from Mr. George Gee who owned all that
property. Randy’s Market and the Orland Park Bakery were there .
and Lang Lee’s!! I miss that place!