Former Orland Bowl Property Could Become Tesla Dealership: Planners

ORLAND PARK, IL — Village representatives from Orland Park's Plan Commission recommended plans Tuesday that would convert the soon-to-be closed Orland Bowl into a Tesla dealership.

According to the commission, the staple bowling site and Mickadoon's Pub at 8601 West 159th Street would be renovated to house the all electric car dealership.

Tesla dealerships are also located in Chicago and surrounding suburbs such as Schaumburg and Westmont. While the 50,000-square-foot property isn't zoned for a car dealership, trustees said Tuesday they would recommend the board make an exception for the company, as Tesla's vehicles won't require a large repair area.

The Daily Southtown reported Patrick Daly would be part of the dealership proposal. Daly is the principal of The Daly Group, the lead developer behind the upcoming casino and hotel in East Hazel Crest and Homewood.

Orland Bowl announced its closing in November 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.

Other dealerships on 159th Street include Chrysler, Hyundai, Nissan, Lexus and Acura. The development group told the commission they could be ready to move on the project immediately following Orland Bowl's closing in mid-June and will not need financial assistance from the village or taxpayers.

The Village Board of Trustees will consider the plan at its next meeting.