Demolition Started on the 100-Plus-Year-Old B&M Factory in Portland, Maine

It's the end of an era.

Progress is a funny thing. It's good, and bad all at the same time. What is replacing the iconic B&M Baked Bean factory that has been your view on I295 for a century, will be completely different.

According to the Press Herald, the Roux Institute of Northeastern University bought the iconic factory and will build a huge private-public area with classrooms, research space, offices, housing, and eventually shops, a restaurant, and maybe a hotel and underground parking. The plan also includes a trail and public park.  The full concept wouldn't be complete for at least 10 years, as this is a long-term plan and they want to be a part of the Portland economy for centuries to come.

Boston Baked Beans are still made in the Midwest, but as so many people have said - they aren't the same. I knew a lot of people who worked at B&M and they even said, it won't be the same. How could it be? There are no huge cast iron pots in the Midwest. I am so grateful I got a tour of the old factory while it was still producing great beans. I will never forget the elevators, the incredible cast iron kettles, and the people.

The Roux Institute is new and will be a high-tech school with graduate education, corporate training, research, and business development, according to the Press Herald. They want to train locally with employees to work in cutting-edge medical science, artificial intelligence, and digital engineering. Slightly different from making great beans.