Tinley Park Windmill

Possible Reconstruction of The Historic Windmill

Bartel Windmill in Tinley Park ca 189

An authentic Dutch Windmill functioned for many years in Tinley Park.  It was located on Oak Park Avenue at 171st Street.

It was destroyed in 1911.

 

The Windmill could be rebuilt. The Windmill would recreate an important and iconic historic structure that would add an attraction to historic Tinley Park. 

Peotone Windmill

Windmills very similar in shape and size to the Tinley Park Windmill were built by the same builders, Bartel of Kankakee. The Mill in Peotone, IL is 3 blocks east of their historic downtown in a neighborhood.

Fabyan Windmill in Kane County

The Fabyan Windmill in the Kane County Forest Preserves north of Aurora on Highway 27 east of the Fox River is another example. It was also built by the builders of the Tinley Park Windmill.

Windmill in Holland, Michigan

The City of Holland, Michigan developed a Windmill as a tourist attraction.
















The downtown site and Convention Center site are both in Tax Increment Financing districts and TIF funds could be used to construct the Windmill. It could be an authentic mill constructed by craftsman from Holland. In 1999 the estimated cost for the Windmill was $1,000,000. A simpler structure could be constructed for less money, with a possible dual use for a small restaurant.

With our current tough recession this would be a good time to build the mill. Construction costs are low and our building trades could use the work.


 
The Windmill would be a great tourist attraction to Tinley Park, and provide a focus and landmark. The site I prefer would be in Zabrocki Park near Oak Park Avenue and the Train Station.