Brockton, MA According to NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (NHS), The Lincoln, its transformative senior housing development, has been honored by Preservation Massachusetts with both the Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award and the People’s Preservation Choice Award. The 2025 Historic Preservation Award ceremony recognizes excellence in historic preservation across Massachusetts.

The Lincoln is a historic rehabilitation project that transformed a former Brockton elementary school, built in 1896 at 70 Highland St., into 37 studio and one-bedroom affordable apartment homes for seniors ages 62 and older. The large-scale renovation honors the building’s legacy by refurbishing original elements from the school and incorporating historically appropriate finishes throughout the apartments and common areas. The Lincoln is now certified as a contributing historic structure to a historic district by the National Park Service.

“Given the dire need for affordable apartments in Massachusetts, we are thrilled to complete the redevelopment of The Lincoln and welcome its new residents. The extensive renovations preserved the historic integrity of the building while providing the comfort of modern finishes and systems,” said Noelle Humphries, associate real estate development director of NeighborWorks.

Now in its 40^th year, Preservation Massachusetts celebrates the individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to preserving the Commonwealth’s historic resources. Its Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award recognizes preservation projects that are transformative, catalytic, embrace the community, create partnerships, and revitalize the past to build a better future. As part of the redevelopment, the Blanchard Plat Historic District was created with nearly 50 surrounding properties. 

The district helps maintain the unique character and identity of the neighborhood while providing economic incentives for preservation.

The People’s Preservation Choice Award is determined by public vote and recognizes the favorite successful restoration and rehabilitation project of the year. The Lincoln is one of sixteen historic rehabilitation projects in Massachusetts that competed for this prestigious award.

“Receiving both the Mayor Menino Legacy and People’s Choice Awards for The Lincoln is a tremendous honor,” said Robert Corley, CEO of NeighborWorks Housing Solutions. “This project is a testament to what is possible when historic preservation meets community purpose. By breathing new life into a former beloved neighborhood school, we’ve created not just housing, but a place where older adults can live with comfort, pride, and a sense of community connection.”

In addition to Neighborhood Housing Solutions, The Lincoln Project Team includes: Davis Square Architects (DSA); Curtis Construction, Vanesse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB); DeCelle-Burke-Sala & Associates; and Hallkeen Management.