Tesla Locks In Special Use Permits For Former Orland Bowl Site

ORLAND PARK, IL — The former site of the beloved Orland Bowl is one step closer to becoming a Tesla electric car dealership, with the developers securing special use permits at a July 5 village board meeting.

Trustees voted 6-0 in favor of approving the special use permits; Trustee Joni Radaszewski was absent.

“We’ve been working with our client and the staff for many months to bring you Tesla, which will be under construction we hope very soon,” said David B. Sosin, of Sosin, Arnold & Schoenbeck, Ltd., representing the developers.

The project will take the existing structure set on just under 6 acres at 8601 W. 159th St. and repurpose it, said David B. Sosin, of Sosin, Arnold & Schoenbeck, Ltd., representing the developers. Some modifications will be required to make the property work, including addressing flooding problems, installing a 6-foot fence, adding landscaping, and resurfacing the lot, among just a few. Other changes include an exterior rehabilitation, removal of a guardrail, installation of roof screening, addition of landscaping islands, and laying a pad for a bus stop.

"We’re very proud of the fact that working with Tesla there is no request for any assistance from the Village," Sosin said. "Tesla plans to do very well in Orland Park, and I think we are all happy about that. I think they will be a great addition.

"We are going to get to work on this building in the coming weeks, not months or years. We have to have it open by next year."

Other dealerships on 159th Street include Chrysler, Hyundai, Nissan, Lexus and Acura. Tesla has stressed it will not need any financial assistance from the Village.

Orland Bowl announced its closing in November 2021 after over 40 years in business. The owners—three brothers—took over the property from their father after he purchased the site with hopes of building another banquet hall.

Trustee Michael Milani noted the developer's diligence in addressing the remaining concerns, and expressed a fondness for Orland Bowl.

“While it is going to be sad to see Orland Bowl leave Orland Park, as it's been a fixture here on 159th Street since as long as I can remember, I do wish the family the best,” Milani said.

“I’m looking forward to this new use of the facility. It looks really great and will blend in nicely on 159th Street.”