We intend to create a dynamic, mixed-use campus that contributes to the East Deering neighborhood without unduly encroaching on it or burdening City resources. The new campus will be a pedestrian-friendly landscape supported by multi-modal programs that provide incentives for alternative transportation options.

Timeline

Completed

January 2020: David & Barbara Roux give $100 million to create the Roux Institute at Northeastern University
October 2020: Harold Alfond Foundation donates $100 million for student financial aid and career support
August 2021: B&M Site announced for the permanent home of the Roux Institute at Northeastern University
September 2021: First students arrive at the Roux Institute at Northeastern in leased space in Portland
Fall 2021: Public input and permitting begin
Fall 2022: Nominated by IDEALS, the City Council designates the Bean Building as a historic landmark
November 2022: Planning Board recommends Institutional Overlay Zone change to the City Council
February 2023: City Council Approves the Institutional Overlay Zone

Anticipated Remaining Phase 1 Schedule

Winter 2023: Site clean-up begins
Spring 2023: Permitting for demolition
Summer – Fall 2023: Demolition of upland buildings (other than the Bean Building)
Summer – Winter 2023: Development of Phase 1 Site Plan with public input
First Quarter 2024: Planning Board Phase 1 Site Plan approval
Second Quarter 2024: Construction start

Input to Proposed Institutional Overlay Zone

An Institutional Overlay Zone (IOZ) and Regulatory Framework for a phased development enables Northeastern University and IDEALS to memorialize the long-term strategic plan for the Roux Campus. Through a series of roundtable forums, neighborhood meetings and numerous meetings with constituents, we received input from neighbors and stakeholders as we worked with the City of Portland on a rezoning process to accommodate the long-term vision for the Roux Campus. The public can continue to provide input to the project through this website. We invite you to send us questions to info@rouxcampusportland.org or add your comments in our Feedback section.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you manage traffic impacts?

It’s important to understand that travel to and from the site will be spread out across the day and night, with many students learning virtually and mid-career professionals coming only occasionally and at night. A number of roadway improvements are planned to prevent excessive congestion and facilitate bicycle and pedestrian access. Multi-modal access will be encouraged through incentives for non-vehicular travel, METRO trips will be subsidized for students and employees, carpools will get priority parking and a water taxi will have a berth on the pier. A Transportation Coordinator will analyze and manage access to ensure Transportation Demand Management Programs are successfully implemented. On-site housing and campus retail options will reduce trips. Best practices including reduced reliance on cars will be built in from the start.

Can the site accommodate the many uses associated with the Roux Institute?

Success of the Roux Institute is dependent on concentrating related facilities on the campus, to facilitate interaction and maximize connections among learners, scientists, researchers, faculty, entrepreneurs, lecturers and visitors. Higher buildings than what currently exists on site will maximize open space to take full advantage of this waterfront site, which all can enjoy.

How will you create a sustainable and resilient campus?

At present, 75% of the 13.5-acre site is impervious surface, including roofs, parking areas and loading dock space. Pavement extends right to the shoreline embankment. The new Roux Campus will raise site grades, maximize open space, install green roofs, incorporate passive and active energy conservation measures and use sustainable building materials to the extent possible. A Sustainability and Resilience Charter consistent with Portland and South Portland’s One Climate Future is in development.

What is the status of City of Portland approvals for the Roux Campus?

Following a very thorough, nine-month review process by the city staff and Planning Board, the Institutional Development Plan (IDP) – the long-term vision for the site – was approved by the Planning Board and the zone change was endorsed and sent to the City Council for approval. The City Council unanimously approved the new zone in February 2023. Development of the Roux Campus is expected to proceed in phases over a period of approximately 20 years. With the City Council approval, work has begun on the site (see schedule above) and a site plan application for the first, near-term phase (Phase 1) will be submitted to the Planning Board later this year. The details of the building designs, transportation plans, circulation, landscaping and all other near-term elements will be reviewed by the Planning Board with input from the public.

Will the public continue to have a say in the applications going forward?

Absolutely! Review of the IDP and zone change at the Planning Board was preceded by six public forums, multiple one-on-one and small group meetings, four Planning Board workshops and a hearing. The City Council reviewed numerous emails and letters and took public comment at a hearing prior to their vote. The site plan review process at the Planning Board will also involve public input, before and after the application is submitted and as part of the formal review. In addition, so the neighborhood can be fully informed of activities on the site and have a chance for input, the first Neighborhood Forum was held February 28 and the next will be April 27, with future meetings at least quarterly (see Updates section of the website). A Community Advisory Group is also being formed to facilitate input from a wide range of interests, including the neighborhood, transportation, education, recreation, business and sustainability. You can sign up for Updates on this website, provide comments or questions in the Feedback section, or email us directly at info@rouxcampusportland.org.