Former Tinley Mental Health Center Could Become Senior Community

TINLEY PARK, IL — The Tinley Park board officials’ vote to negotiate with Melody Square LLC to build a sweeping, largely age-restricted community marks the latest step in the village’s plan to redevelop the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center.

The agreement permits the board to negotiate the plan with Melody Square and lasts six months. The board voted on the agreement last week.

Under the proposal, Melody Square would build 435 single-family homes targeted for buyers ages 55 and older, as well as about 200 luxury senior apartments on the 280-acre site. Another 100 apartments, 60 single-family homes, and recreation and public green space is planned for the site.

Melody Square is asking for more than $68 million in tax increment financing.

Officials have said the agreement is non-binding and can be canceled anytime. Public hearings will be held before a final vote is taken.

The development team is made up of Chicago-area partners K. Hovnanian, M/I Homes, Jax Yards, Rick Heidner of Heidner Properties and Dave Dorgan. Dorgan is a former Tinley Park village manager, The Chicago Tribune reported.

Village officials began looking at options to redevelop the former mental health center’s site in 2017, five years after former Gov. Pat Quinn shut down the state facility near Harlem Avenue and 183rd Street.

They had planned to purchase the land from the state in 2015 for more than $4 million. According to the Tribune, the plan was set aside and officials have said that they are waiting for a new property appraisal.

In 2014, an environmental evaluation report showed that the area contained contaminated soil and leaking underground storage tanks filled with gasoline and chemical drums. The area would need remediation, the report showed. Estimates put the cost of clean up at about $12 million.