Lunder Innovation Labs

Bruner/Cott is transforming the former B&M Baked Bean factory—an iconic symbol of Portland’s industrial heritage—into a dynamic incubator space and innovation hub for Northeastern University’s Roux Institute campus. The  (see snapshot table) project breathes new life into the waterfront landmark, marrying   interior build-out with a complete restoration of its historic envelope.

The design goals of the project are to celebrate the characteristics of this New England landmark, design a building that integrates and reinforces the new Roux campus in Portland, and to make a lasting contribution to the local community and economy. Once a factory of production, the building is reimagined as a factory of ideas—a place where startups and local businesses can thrive with the support of campus resources. Flexible office, gathering, and co-working spaces anchor the program, creating an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and economic growth.

Rooted in Portland’s history, yet designed for the future, the project strengthens Northeastern’s presence in Maine while amplifying opportunities for engagement with the city and region. The transformation of a landmark from a derelict factory building into the Lunder Innovation Labs is an exciting chapter in expanding the Roux Institute’s programs and outreach. Its adaptive reuse underscores the value of preservation as a catalyst for innovation, ensuring that a beloved New England landmark continues to make a lasting contribution—this time not through baked beans, but through bold ideas and community-driven enterprise.