Next Steps

We look forward to obtaining input from neighbors and working with the City of Portland on a rezoning process that will accommodate the long-term vision for the Roux Campus.

The Roux Campus will be developed in phases with the first phase to include education and research space, lab and office space for collaborating partners, an entrepreneurial incubator, faculty and student housing, and a hotel. Additional collaboration, commercial and retail spaces will be added as this multi-purpose development becomes fully realized.

One of the first changes visible to the public will be waterfront restoration, and we hope to be able to create a new pathway connecting to the Back Cove and Eastern Promenade and mid-town trails. Vehicles will be limited to the perimeter of the Campus in preference for open space with walking paths to preserve the restored beauty of the site.

Our goal is to apply for an Institutional Overlay Zone which will involve a regulatory framework for a phased development plan informed by guidance from City staff and the public.

Public Input

A rezoning request will be submitted to the City Council and a permit application will be filed with the Portland Planning Board this winter. IDEALS will be seeking public input through this website and soon to be announced forums. Please check this website for upcoming events. We invite you to Subscribe for email updates and add your feedback or ask questions in our Feedback section.

Timeline

Completed

January 2020: David and Barbara Roux make a $100 million gift 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, located 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 zoning change request to City Council

Anticipated

City Council Rezoning Decision (First Quarter 2023)
Planning Board Near Term Site Plan Approval (Third Quarter 2023)
Spring/Summer 2023: Demolition of upland buildings (other than the Bean Building)
Construction Start (Fourth Quarter 2023)
Roux Institute Campus Opens to Students and the Public (Second Quarter 2026)

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 is expected to act on the application early in 2023. Development of the Roux Campus is expected to proceed in phases over a period of approximately 20 years. If the City Council approves the zone change, a site plan application for the first, near-term phase will be submitted to the Planning Board. The details of the building designs, transportation plans, circulation, landscaping and all other near-term elements will be reviewed and approved 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 is accepting emails and letters and will take public comment, and the site plan review process at the Planning Board will also involve the public, before and after the application is submitted and as part of the formal review. In addition, Neighborhood Forums and a Community Advisory Group are being created so the project can benefit from public input, and the public can be fully informed during all phases, including construction. You can also sign up for Updates on this website, provide comments or questions in the Feedback section, or email us directly at info@rouxcampusportland.org .

Links

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.

Design Link

Sustainability and Resiliency Link

Transportation Improvements and Traffic Study Link

Community Benefits Link

Input to Proposed Institutional Overlay Zone

An Institutional Overlay Zone (IOZ) and Regulatory Framework for a phased development will enable 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 continue to receive input from neighbors and stakeholders as we work with the City of Portland on a rezoning process to accommodate the long-term vision for the Roux Campus. The public can also provide input through this website. We invite you to send us questions to info@rouxcampusportland.org or add your comments in our Feedback section.