The Parque at CrackerJax: A Homegrown Take on Scottsdale’s $1B Tech Village

If you’ve been around the Valley as long as I have, you probably remember the old CrackerJax amusement park — a nostalgic slice of Scottsdale tucked right off Scottsdale Road and Bell. Whether you were go-karting on a Saturday afternoon or just cruising by on your way to Kierland, it was one of those iconic spots that held its own charm.

But Scottsdale, like the rest of the Phoenix metro, doesn’t sit still for long. We’re a city constantly on the move — growing, adapting, and evolving with the times. And now, that same CrackerJax site is getting a massive facelift, one that could reshape not only the local skyline but also the way we live, work, and invest in our communities.

A $1 Billion Vision for the Future

The development, officially dubbed The Parque, is being spearheaded by CrowdStrike co-founder and tech billionaire George Kurtz. We’re talking about a $1 billion tech-centric village spanning 32 acres that will include:

• 1,200+ residential units

• 125,000 sq ft of Class A office space

• A five-star hotel

• High-end retail and dining

• Public green spaces and walking paths

• A tech incubator to attract startups and innovation

That’s not just another shopping plaza going up — this is a city-within-a-city kind of project. So let’s break down what that means for those of us who live, work, and raise our families here in the Valley.

Job Growth: Tech Meets Tourism

This is where the ripple effect starts.

Construction alone will bring a surge of jobs — everything from heavy equipment operators to project managers. But once The Parque is up and running, the long-term employment impact will be even more significant.

With built-in office space, a hotel, retail, and dining, we’re looking at hundreds (if not thousands) of permanent jobs across various sectors. And perhaps most exciting of all, the inclusion of tech incubator space signals that Scottsdale is doubling down on its position as a rising tech hub. This development could attract startups and satellite offices from major tech companies — bringing with it high-paying jobs and long-term economic stability.

We’ve seen how the Price Road Corridor in Chandler became the “Silicon Desert.” The Parque could be Scottsdale’s answer to that, anchoring high-tech opportunity in the Northeast Valley.

Housing Impacts: A More Diverse Mix

With over 1,200 residential units planned, The Parque isn’t just about business. It’s also set to introduce a variety of living options, including:

• 897 apartment units

• 98 workforce housing units

• 115 traditional condos

• 126 hotel-branded condos

For context — the inclusion of workforce housing is a big deal. Scottsdale has long struggled with affordability, especially for the people who actually work in the city: teachers, service industry pros, first responders. These units can help create a better live-work balance, reduce commuting stress, and retain a workforce that’s essential to our community.

The mix of housing types — from luxury to attainable — shows thoughtful planning. It recognizes that Scottsdale isn't just a destination; it’s a place people want to call home year-round.

Infrastructure + Traffic: A Balancing Act

Now, let’s not sugarcoat it — any time you add this much density to an area, infrastructure becomes a hot topic. Scottsdale Road and Bell are already high-traffic zones, and this development will add more volume — more cars, more delivery trucks, more foot traffic.

The developers have promised walkability, green space, and integrated transit solutions, but the city will need to step up with improved traffic flow designs, upgraded utilities, and possibly even smart traffic systems to keep up with the demand.

From a real estate perspective, it’ll be crucial to watch how the city handles this. If the infrastructure keeps pace with growth, surrounding neighborhoods will see an uptick in property values thanks to proximity to a thriving new urban center.

The Bigger Picture: Scottsdale’s Next Chapter

The Parque isn’t just about one plot of land or one developer’s dream — it’s a signal of where Scottsdale (and the Valley at large) is headed. We’re no longer just a tourist haven or a snowbird sanctuary. We’re a full-blown innovation economy in the making, blending luxury living with economic opportunity.

For homebuyers, this project means more options, more lifestyle perks, and better resale value over time. For investors, it’s a chance to get in early on a long-term growth corridor. And for all of us who call this place home — born and raised or newly planted — it’s another reason to be proud of how far we’ve come.

Final Thoughts from a Lifelong Local

As someone who grew up riding bumper boats at CrackerJax and now sells homes in the very neighborhoods surrounding it, I see The Parque as a true full-circle moment. It’s change, yes — but it’s smart, forward-thinking change.

If you’ve got questions about how this development might affect your property value, rental potential, or neighborhood dynamics — let’s talk. Whether you’re looking to invest, buy, sell, or simply stay informed, I’m here as your local resource and boots-on-the-ground guide.

Scottsdale’s future is bright — and it’s happening right now, right in our own backyard.