Work is moving quickly on the future home of the Roux Institute along Portland’s waterfront. The project replaces the long-standing B&M Baked Beans factory at 1 Beanpot Circle. Crews began site prep in 2023, and by spring 2025 the cleared property showed new foundations and active staging areas. The campus is expected to open in 2027.
Construction Progress
Northeastern University leads the project with support from Maine partners like WEX and IDEXX. Demolition of the B&M plant wrapped in 2024. Soon after, work began on a 238,000-square-foot academic building. May 2025 satellite imagery shows active grading, heavy equipment, and new construction footprints. Traffic from Interstate 295 now passes beside one of the largest active building sites in the city. Meanwhile, the temporary campus on Fore Street remains open in Portland’s Old Port.
Location and Impact
The East Deering neighborhood hosts the project site. It sits just off Interstate 295 and overlooks both Back Cove and Casco Bay. As a result, the new development reshapes a highly visible section of Portland’s waterfront. The full plan includes classrooms, labs, student housing for up to 650 people, and public waterfront access. Additionally, retail space and climate-resilient features—such as geothermal systems and green roofs—are part of the design.
Background
The Roux Institute launched in 2020 after a $100 million gift from David Roux. It has operated from 100 Fore Street since then. The new campus represents one of Maine’s largest education projects in decades. It is designed to build Maine’s workforce in technology, life sciences, and artificial intelligence.