The Polish Highlanders Alliance of North America is considering relocating from Chicago’s Southwest Side to the southwest suburbs. Orland Park authorities see an opportunity in establishing such a cultural center within the village.
Plans for a New Cultural Center
Mayor Jim Dodge recently hosted representatives from the alliance, along with 200 residents, at an event held at Signature Barn Banquet Hall. The discussion centered around the potential development of a new cultural hub northwest of Interstate 80 and La Grange Road. Dodge emphasized the benefits such a center could bring to Orland Park’s commercial activity and community life.
The Polish Highlanders Alliance aims to purchase a vacant parcel near the Interstate 80 and La Grange Road corridor, owned by St. Xavier University. Krzysztof Zoltek, the group’s secretary general, stated that their current location on Archer Avenue no longer caters to a shifting Polish American demographic.
The existing cultural center was built with significant community effort, incorporating artisanal work, making it an integral element for the Polish community in Chicago for decades, Zoltek noted.
Search for a New Location
The alliance has been actively seeking locations that satisfy their needs, including a banquet hall with seating for 1,000 guests and outdoor space suitable for various events. Such venues are scarce in the southwest suburbs, although the I-80/La Grange Road property remains a strong candidate despite its high cost.
Zoltek mentioned the parcel’s $3 million acquisition cost, with another $15 million needed for construction. Nonetheless, the alliance remains interested due to Mayor Dodge’s support and community engagement opportunities.
Mayor Dodge, having grown up near the current cultural center, values Polish American traditions. He acknowledges that financial obstacles could hinder the organization’s relocation efforts but is committed to assisting through the village’s approval process.
By supporting such initiatives, Dodge believes the community can preserve cultural heritage, seeing this as vital for maintaining language, music, art, and overall cultural expression in Orland Park.
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