Scarborough, ME An affordable housing development will soon bring much needed independent living opportunities for disabled adults to one of the region’s fastest-growing hubs.

Set to rise within a 524-acre mixed-use community known as The Downs, this new 51-unit fully accessible apartment building is designed by architecture and interiors firm. Gary Kane, principal with The Architectural Team (TAT), assisted in the project with supportive housing provider 3i Housing of Maine (3i HoME) and national affordable housing advocate Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH).

Highlights of the recently debuted design – which passed a major milestone last week in receiving unanimous approvals from the Scarborough Planning Board – include an energy efficient Passive House approach, a focus on Universal Design and adaptability, and the utilization of innovative smart-home technologies, such as voice-controlled heating and cooling, lighting, window coverings, and security that facilitate independent living.

A public celebration and a vision tour gallery of the project’s design was held on Saturday, June 17 at the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center in Brunswick, ME, including a preview of the technology that makes the new community possible for people with disabilities, and those unable to perform activities of daily living.