A $1B mixed-use development is planned in Scottsdale Airpark on the site of the former CrackerJax amusement park.
Plans from owner George Kurtz and his Cracker Jax Land Company LLC include a 223-room hotel, 100KSF of retail, 1,236 residential units, 40KSF of “flex space” and a two-acre park on the 32.3-acre site. A total of 13 buildings are planned.
Representatives from project architect Nelsen Partners recently showcased the plan in an open house. While most of the project will be shorter than 90 feet, two of the buildings are planned at 119 feet.
In the presentation, Nelsen’s Avalon Knoebel told attendees the project is intended to showcase sustainability, with the park feature as a key component.
John Berry of Berry Riddell LLC – the law firm representing Kurtz – said the project is inspired by Scottsdale Quarter but with a vision to have fewer buildings and more open space.
Scottsdale City Councilmember Tammy Caputi said she liked the plan and that the development fit the planned area. Sonnie Kirtley of Coalition of Greater Scottsdale – a citizen group concerned with development – said she likes the project but that the group board will vote on what official stance to take.
While the project proposal was generally well-received, as with nearly any project in Scottsdale – particularly projects with a residential component – some attendees expressed reservations about the height and density. (Source)
