Bethel Recovery Center

Aceto Kimball in close collaboration with Kaplan Thompson Architects led the master planning effort for the Bethel Recovery Center, a transformative residential facility nestled in the foothills of the Mahoosuc Range in western Maine. Drawing upon the therapeutic power of the natural world, the plan is grounded in the belief that meaningful connection to place is fundamental to healing and long-term recovery. Framed by sweeping views of the Androscoggin River Valley and the rugged peaks of the Mahoosucs, the site’s design is shaped by its ecologic and topographic richness. Aceto Kimball’s planning approach integrated restorative landscapes, quiet woodland trails, and communal outdoor spaces that blur the boundary between built environment and wilderness. The master plan orients buildings and paths to foster contemplative movement, immersive sensory experience, and reconnection with the rhythms of nature. The landscape strategy emphasizes native plant communities, ecological resilience, and a gentle land stewardship ethic, aligning with the center’s mission of holistic healing. Throughout the site, open meadows, forest edges, and river views are preserved and celebrated, creating a serene and grounded setting that supports individual transformation and community resilience.