Senator Collins Attends Groundbreaking for New Business District at The Downs in Scarborough

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Scarborough, ME — U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony of The Downs’ Innovation District, a 150 acre commercial-light industrial subdivision located in the center of Scarborough. With its mix of business and commercial uses, it is projected that The Downs will eventually host more than 3,000 jobs. 

The Downs is the vision of two sets of brothers and life-long friends—the Risbaras and the Michauds—who purchased this land in their hometown of Scarborough in 2018.

“I commend the team for their dedication and willingness to create something very special in their hometown,” said Senator Collins. “The Downs will become a driving economic force for the entire region and create jobs, but it will also provide a sense of community through the creation of a town center. The people who will live, work, and play here are the beneficiaries of The Downs’ vision, planning, and cooperation.”

The new Innovation District will include 57 turn-key lots for light industrial, bio-tech, and manufacturing uses.  A business incubator space will also offer Class A office rental space, and the business park is expected to create one million square feet of new commercial space.  The Innovation District is part of The Downs’ 525 acre master plan, which would be home to Scarborough’s future Town Center, preserve 200 acres of greenspace, and create 10 miles of recreational trails that connect to a mixed-use residential area that will include single family homes, condominiums, and affordable housing.

At full buildout, the entire project is estimated to create more than $615 million in new value; more than $10 million in new tax revenue; nearly 2 million square feet of commercial space.