Consigli Construction has officially commenced work on a transformative $500 million campus for Northeastern University’s Roux Institute in Portland, Maine. Set to revolutionize the region’s higher education landscape, this cutting-edge facility will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and academic excellence, benefiting students and the wider community. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a multi-year project to foster talent in New England’s science, technology, engineering, and other critical industries.
Located in the thriving Portland waterfront, the Roux Institute’s new campus will occupy a prime location on a 13.5-acre site, formerly the home of the B&M Baked Beans factory, transforming it into a cutting-edge, multi-building complex. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a center for education and research in artificial intelligence and other rapidly growing, high-tech industries. It is expected to draw in thousands of students and researchers, creating a dynamic learning environment.
Designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, the new campus will feature state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and collaborative spaces, all built to inspire innovation and meet the challenges of the modern world. Constructed in phases, the campus will feature multiple buildings, including:
- The Alfond Center, a 245,000-square-foot facility dedicated to learning, research, and collaboration. This building will accommodate wet labs, computational labs, research spaces, and classrooms.
- The historic 58,000-square-foot “Bean” building will be extensively renovated to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. It will provide workspaces for startups and businesses, creating a hub for cutting-edge development and business growth.
Consigli’s role in the project is pivotal, as they bring expertise in constructing world-class educational facilities. The company focuses on sustainability, ensuring the new Roux Institute campus aligns with environmentally friendly standards and practices. By integrating green building initiatives—the institute is implementing a sustainable plan incorporating innovative energy solutions such as a seawater heat exchange system, green roofing, and geothermal energy to reduce environmental impact—the project is expected to achieve significant environmental certifications, reinforcing Portland’s commitment to sustainable development.
Beyond the academic infrastructure, the project will also bolster the local economy. It is expected to create numerous construction jobs, with the completed campus providing ongoing opportunities in education, research, and industry partnerships. As Portland evolves into a burgeoning tech and innovation hub, the Roux Institute’s new campus will play a central role in attracting global talent and investment, positioning Maine as a key player in the tech-driven economy of the future.
The development is expected to be completed over the next few years, marking a significant milestone for both Northeastern University and the state of Maine. With the Roux Institute’s mission to drive economic growth and technological advancement, this campus will be a beacon of progress in education and beyond.
