The Polish Highlanders Alliance of North America is looking to relocate its base from Chicago’s Southwest Side to the southwest suburbs. Officials in Orland Park are keen on the idea of establishing a cultural center in the village. On May 29, Mayor Jim Dodge hosted a gathering of approximately 200 residents along with three representatives from the Alliance at the Signature Barn Banquet Hall. The discussions centered around a potential new cultural center situated northwest of Interstate 80 and La Grange Road.
Mayor Dodge expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’d love to see that development in Orland. Anything that attracts a lot of people is good for our commercial base and the community.” The Alliance is considering purchasing a vacant commercial property near the Interstate 80 and La Grange Road corridor, which is owned by St. Xavier University. Krzysztof Zoltek, the Alliance’s secretary general, noted that the current cultural center located at 4808 S Archer Ave. in Chicago no longer meets the needs of the community, which is increasingly based in the suburbs.
Zoltek explained, “It was built with community effort, featuring a lot of artisanal work. We’d love to relocate it to where our community lives now, but that’s not possible.” The organization has been searching for a new location for months, focusing on areas in the southwest suburbs where many members travel for events. A site large enough to accommodate a banquet hall for 1,000 people and space for outdoor activities has been challenging to find.
The property under consideration near I-80/La Grange Road would cost $3 million to purchase, with an additional $15 million for building the center. Although the price exceeds the organization’s preference, they are eager to continue discussions with the village. Zoltek mentioned the value of engaging with both the mayor and local residents during their May 29 event.
Mayor Dodge appreciates the Alliance’s rich cultural roots and understands the importance of preserving such heritage. He is willing to assist the organization through the necessary approval processes if they decide to proceed. “For any ethnic group that cherishes its heritage while embracing life in America, it is crucial to maintain traditions like language, music, art, and culture,” Dodge emphasized. He added that assets focusing on these aspects help provide a sense of place for the community.