The Downs

Aceto Kimball Landscape Architecture (AKLA) serves as the master planner, urban designer, and project landscape architect for The Downs, a landmark 500-acre redevelopment transforming the former Scarborough Downs racetrack into a vibrant, mixed-use town center and walkable neighborhood district. As one of the largest and most ambitious planning efforts in Maine’s recent history, The Downs represents a bold vision for sustainable urbanismrooted in placemaking, connectivity, and long-term livability. At the heart of AKLA’s leadership is a commitment to designing a human-scaled, pedestrian-oriented community that blends residential, commercial, civic, and recreational uses within a cohesive and ecologically grounded framework. The master plan sets the foundation for a complete neighborhood—one where streets are shared, public spaces are vibrant, and people of all ages can live, work, and thrive. AKLA led the visioning and development of a comprehensive master plan that organizes The Downs into a series of walkable urban districts, centered around a future town center and supported by a network of connected neighborhoods. The plan introduces a fine-grained street grid, small blocks, and mixed-use zones that foster compact, transit-ready development while preserving open space and viewsheds. Streets are designed as public spaces first—prioritizing walkability, safety, and multimodal access. AKLA led the design of a complete streets network that includes sidewalks, bikeways, traffic-calming strategies, and green infrastructure, supporting a car-optional lifestyle and enhancing the overall livability of the district. Through a holistic and collaborative approach, Aceto Kimball Landscape Architecture has positioned The Downs as a new paradigm for walkable, resilient, and community-driven development in southern Maine—anchoring Scarborough’s future with a vibrant town center that reflects both its rural heritage and urban potential.