Compiled by Jenna-Lee Neff
Photos Courtesy of Featured Businesses
From new restaurants to real estate deals, there’s always something happening in North Scottsdale. Here is your recent review of openings, sales and construction impacting your community.
Billionaire Purchases Land Where CrackerJax Family Fun & Sports Park Is Located
After recent reports that CrackerJax Family Fun & Sports Park was sold to billionaire George Kurtz in a $55.5 million deal, CrackerJax management released a statement on the
@CrackerJaxFunPark Facebook page and their website stating that the 30-year-old business was not sold, only the land that the amusement park operates on. “CrackerJax Family Fun & Sports Park Business has not been sold. We are open for business and continue to operate under the same ownership that has been proudly serving the Valley for 30 years,” says the statement from management. “Only the land on which CrackerJax is built has been sold so we simply have a new landlord. We are grateful to the support we are seeing from long time CrackerJax fans and people who have yet to experience what we have to offer. This gives us all a wonderful opportunity to relive those memories with our families or come make some brand-new ones!”
crackerjax.com
Optima Proposes New Development
Luxury developer Optima has announced a new residential and commercial proposal for a vacant lot located on the south side of Loop 101, near Mayo Avenue, Scottsdale Road, and Scottsdale Airpark. The development, called Optima McDowell Mountain Village, consists of six 11-story buildings containing 1,500 apartments and condominiums along with 31,000 square feet of commercial space. Currently, the land is zoned commercial. Optima will need to present proposals to multiple agencies and gain approval from the Scottsdale City Council.
optima.inc
Thompson Peak Dog Park Project
Recently, the Scottsdale City Council adopted a resolution to allow a $490,750 contract with Environmental Planning Group, LLC to design a new dog park in Thompson Peak Park. According to information on file with the city of Scottsdale, the new facilities include a 3-and-a-half-acre dog park with separate fenced and gated turf areas, parking for 100 vehicles, and a footbridge that will connect the new space to existing Thompson Peak Park amenities.
scottsdaleaz.gov
Local Road Development
In March, the Scottsdale City Council approved an engineering services contract to widen Pima Road to four lanes. This expansion is set to occur along the stretch of road from Happy Valley Road to Jomax Road and includes intersection improvements, landscaped medians, bike lanes, sidewalks, trails to improve safety, and capacity and accessibility improvements for motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The project will cost an estimated $1.45 million, with a noise study and identification of right-of-way needs expected to be completed by July 2023. Construction is expected to begin in the winter of 2024.
scottsdaleaz.gov
New Sports Book Clubhouse
A new Sports Book Clubhouse and restaurant for the Tournament Players Club is in the works. The project received approval from the Scottsdale Development Review Board and has obtained a Conditional Use Permit from the Scottsdale City Council. The project will include a 7,400 square foot patio and a wagering floor.
scottsdaleaz.gov
New Restaurants in North Scottsdale
Rice Paper, a Vietnamese restaurant and cocktail bar in midtown Phoenix, has opened a second location on the northeast corner of Scottsdale and Shea in Scottsdale. Besides expected menu items like banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) and several kinds of pho, Rice Paper lays claim to having the largest fresh spring roll bar in Arizona.
480-410-6881
Green Corner Restaurant, one of the Valley’s top Mediterranean eateries, is launching a third location. The locally owned, fast-casual concept, which has locations in Mesa and Chandler, is putting the final touches on a third on the southwest corner of Scottsdale and Shea in central Scottsdale. The space formerly was home to Porkopolis Bar-B-Que.
greencorneraz.com
