TL;DR
An Orland Park planning panel voted 6-1 to approve Amazon's proposal to develop 35 acres for a 229,000-square-foot retail center near Chicago, according to The Information. The project is described as a Walmart-like supercenter and would expand Amazon's presence in physical retail.
What happened
The Orland Park Plan Commission in Orland Park, Illinois — a suburb of Chicago — voted 6-1 to approve a proposal from Amazon to develop 35 acres of land for a large retail project, according to reporting from The Information. The planned facility is described in the report as a 229,000-square-foot retail center, characterized as a Walmart-style supercenter. Coverage notes the development would include brick-and-mortar retail space, though the available excerpt does not detail specific store features, layout, or services. The decision by the plan commission moves the proposal forward in local land-use processes, but additional approvals, timelines, or operational details were not provided in the sourced excerpt.
Why it matters
- If built, a 229,000 sq ft store would represent a substantial expansion of Amazon's physical retail footprint.
- A supermarket-style supercenter could position Amazon to compete more directly with traditional big-box retailers.
- Local land-use and planning approvals for large retail projects can affect traffic, zoning and municipal planning in suburbs.
- The project signals continued experimentation by online-native companies with large-format, in-person retail models.
Key facts
- Orland Park Plan Commission voted 6-1 to approve Amazon's proposal.
- The site under consideration totals 35 acres in Orland Park, Illinois, a Chicago suburb.
- The proposed building size is 229,000 square feet.
- The development has been described as a Walmart-like supercenter.
- Reporting on the plan was attributed to The Information in coverage summarized by The Verge.
- The report indicates the project would include brick-and-mortar retail space.
- Detailed features, timeline and final approvals are not included in the provided excerpt.
What to watch next
- Timeline for permitting, construction and opening — not confirmed in the source
- Final store format, services and offerings inside the proposed supercenter — not confirmed in the source
- Employment estimates and local economic impact once detailed plans are released — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Supercenter: A large retail store combining general merchandise and full grocery offerings, typically much bigger than a standard supermarket.
- Brick-and-mortar: Physical retail locations where customers can shop in person, as opposed to online-only stores.
- Plan Commission: A local municipal body that reviews land use, zoning and development proposals and provides approvals or recommendations.
- Square foot: A unit of area commonly used in real estate to describe the size of buildings or spaces.
Reader FAQ
Is Amazon definitely building this store?
The Orland Park Plan Commission approved the proposal 6-1, but additional steps and final approvals are not detailed in the source.
Where would the store be located?
The proposed development site is in Orland Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
How large would the store be?
The project is reported as a 229,000-square-foot retail center on 35 acres.
What will the store include and when will it open?
Not confirmed in the source.
Amazon could be taking another, even bigger swing at physical stores, this time with a Walmart-like supercenter. On Tuesday, the Orland Park Plan Commission in the Chicago suburb Orland Park,…
Sources
- Amazon is planning a Super Amazon-mart store near Chicago
- Amazon Is Planning Walmart-Style Big Box Store Near …
- Amazon selects Orland Park for new proposed retail …
- Amazon plans Walmart-style big box store near Chicago
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