In a nod to the past and a wink to the future, Orland Square Mall will observe the start of renovation construction by assembling a time capsule during a celebration on Thurs., Oct. 13 at 8:30 a.m. in Macy’s Court. The time capsule is to be opened 18 years after it is buried (marking 18 years since the mall opened), on Oct. 13, 2029.
Included in the time capsule will be an iPod with today’s top hits from all music genres, copies of newspapers and newscast recordings, a letter from current Mayor Dan McLaughlin to the future mayor of Orland Park, photos from daily life in the mall today, and catalogs from current Orland Park retailers, showcasing the fashions and trends of 2011.
Find out what's happening in Orland Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The public also has an opportunity to have their memory preserved in the time capsule. Shoppers can go to Orland Square and fill out a form with their memories of the mall. Three (3) memories will be selected to be included in the time capsule during the kickoff ceremony. Forms will be available immediately at Guest Services in Orland Square Mall. Shoppers can also find a link to the form on Orland Square’s Facebook page. Forms can be turned in via email, fax, or regular mail for those who cannot drop it off in person. Winning shoppers will be contacted before the event and invited to present their memory during the Oct. 13 ceremony.
Find out what's happening in Orland Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“This is truly the most exciting time in Orland Square’s history,” said Gayle Gleespen, director of marketing and business development. “Shoppers refer to this as ‘their’ mall -- it’s more than just a place to shop for them. It’s become part of the community, part of family traditions, and part of the history of the town of Orland Park. We’re all so excited to honor our past and look forward to our future with this time capsule.”
Local dignitaries, including Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin, will also speak during the ceremony, reflecting on what the mall’s renovation and the time capsule means to residents today and 18 years in the future.
Following the ceremony, a giant cake decorated to mirror the old Orland Square Mall purple and orange sings will be ceremoniously cut. Refreshments will be served to those in attendance. The event will also celebrate the addition of a new Dave & Busters to Orland Square.
The Simon Kidgits Club® will also help to celebrate this exciting, historical time. During the October 11 Read. Shop. Play. event, children can create their own Orland Square Mall designs on plaster tiles that will be hung throughout the mall during the renovation. Children can decorate their tiles beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the play area located in the lower JCPenney Court.
Orland Square Mall’s major renovations include: new interior and exterior features and amenities including additional seating, updated restrooms (including multiple family restrooms), redesigned mall entrances, redesigned food court and children’s play area and new landscaping, flooring, handrails, lighting and paint scheme. Construction is scheduled to wrap by Summer 2012.
“We hope everyone will come out and help us celebrate the past, present and future of Orland Square Mall,” Gleespen continued. “Afterall, we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the public. This celebration won’t be the same without them!”
