Brockton, MA NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, the leading housing service provider in southeastern Massachusetts, celebrated the ground-breaking of 37 units of affordable housing for seniors at the site of the former Lincoln School, 70 Highland St., on May 24^th. Plans are underway, and the renovations are estimated to take between 18-24 months. 

The historic restoration project brings together multiple agency partners to provide tax credits, additional funding, construction, and supportive services. The Lincoln School project will convert a historic former elementary school, originally constructed in the 1890s, into 37 modern one-bedroom and studio apartments for seniors. In addition, once complete, residents will have access to on-site services that will help them stay connected in their community. 

“We’re excited to finally be moving forward on this historic restoration,” said Robert Corley, CEO of NeighborWorks. “We are grateful to have the support of so many at the state and local level, including the overwhelming support of mayor Robert Sullivan of Brockton.”

Several city and state officials, including mayor Sullivan; Rob May, director of planning and economic development for the city; state representative Rita Mendes; Noelle Humphries of NHS; Alma Balonon-Rosen senior relationship manager at Massachusetts Housing Partnership; and Will Morgan, senior project manager at Community Economic Development Assistance Corp.; were in attendance and spoke on behalf of the project. 

“There is so much that goes into developments like the Lincoln School,” said Humphries. “When I started at NHS in 2019, this was one of the projects I wanted to take the lead on. I am so excited to finally be part of the groundbreaking and am looking forward to cutting the ribbon on this much-needed housing in the coming 18 to 24 months.”

Following the formal ceremony, attendees were given a brief tour of the building, and were able to see the unique and historic aspects of the former school.