For Immediate Release
December 8, 2025

Media Contact:
Christine Hunsinger
chunsinger@rihousing.com

LINCOLN, RI – Senator Jack Reed, Representative Gabe Amo, elected and housing officials, funders and community members joined RIHousing and developers Valley Affordable Housing Corporation and Lonsdale Memorial Holdings, LLC on Friday to mark the opening of 26 new homes in Lincoln. Every unit in Lonsdale Memorial Lofts, a mix of studio, one-, and three-bedrooms, is reserved for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income, which for a family of two in Lincoln is $73,200.  

“Building more homes and incentivizing smart development is key to improving housing affordability. The Lonsdale Memorial Lofts development wisely repurposes the old Lincoln Memorial School to create 26 new, high-quality, low-cost homes for Rhode Islanders with quick and easy access to local transportation,” said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee who supported over $2.8 million in federal investments for the development. 

“I’m thrilled to see the transformation of Lincoln Memorial School into new homes for Rhode Islanders to enjoy. It was a true group project that included state, local, and private partners,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Lincoln’s new Lonsdale Memorial Lofts will give families a safe and affordable place to call home, inside a beautiful and historic building.” 

Lonsdale Memorial Lofts is the rehabilitation of the Lincoln Memorial School, built in the 1920s and most recently used as town administration offices. In converting the school into new apartments, the developers added modern touches for residents while maintaining the brick structure’s charm, preserving a piece of Lincoln’s history while introducing new housing opportunities for Rhode Islanders.  

“Over the past five years, we’ve passed well over 40 new laws aimed at making homes available and affordable. Some have had widespread ramifications; others are more targeted to specific situations; but all of them have one goal — getting people into homes,” said State Representative Mary Ann Shallcross Smith (D-46). “Here in Lonsdale, we now see the results of those housing opportunities that the General Assembly has been working tirelessly to create.” 

“By bringing new life to a valued local landmark while creating needed housing opportunities for individuals and families, the Lonsdale Memorial Lofts project represents the kind of approach we need to effectively take on our state’s housing challenges. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing and Municipal Government, and on behalf of my Senate colleagues, I am grateful to all the partners whose hard work and commitment made this project possible,” said Senator Jacob E. Bissaillon (D-Dist. 1, Providence), Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing & Municipal Government. 

“Today’s ribbon cutting at Lonsdale Memorial Lofts is a meaningful step toward ensuring that the people who work in our community can also afford to live in our community. These 26 new affordable housing units provide high-quality, accessible options that meet the needs of a wide range of residents,” said Philip Gould, Lincoln Town Administrator. “This adaptive re-use of the old Memorial School building offers a perfect opportunity for couples looking to downsize in their retirement years, as well as young professionals who are just starting out and not yet ready to purchase their first home. By preserving this historic building and creating much-needed housing, we are strengthening the fabric of our town and ensuring that those who contribute to Lincoln every day have the ability to call Lincoln home. I would also like to recognize the tremendous support from RIHousing and the developers, Valley Affordable Housing and Lonsdale Memorial Holdings, for their commitment to maintaining the character and charm of this historic landmark.” 

The development utilized a variety of funding sources, including $2 million from RIHousing’s Acquisition Revitalization Program to assist in the purchase of the property, and the agency’s Middle Income Loan Program, funded by the over $200 million that RIHousing administered in State Fiscal Recovery Funds. The Middle Income program addresses the affordable housing needs of households who are increasingly caught in the gap between rising housing costs and ineligibility for other traditional state and federally financed affordable housing. 

“Lonsdale Memorial Lofts will deliver 26 thoughtfully designed affordable homes, providing vital support to individuals and families who strengthen our communities,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “We extend our gratitude to all partners whose dedication made this project possible, creating safe, stable housing and new opportunities for 26 more households to build their futures, here in Rhode Island.” 

“RIHousing was proud to provide funding to Lonsdale Memorial Lofts, including critical Middle Income Loan Program funds,” said Carol Ventura, CEO & Executive Director of RIHousing. “We look forward to continuing to support projects like Lonsdale, which take advantage of existing vacant structures to create more affordable housing for Rhode Islanders.” 

Lonsdale Memorial Lofts is conveniently located along the Blackstone River Greenway, near retail and transportation, including the new Pawtucket/Central Falls train station. Units are still available; interested individuals and families can contact Pinnacle Property Management at 401-334-2802 or visit the Valley Affordable Housing Corp. site:  https://www.valleyaffordable.org/lincoln-memorial-school/. 

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About RIHousing
RIHousing works to ensure that all people who live in Rhode Island can afford a healthy, attractive home that meets their needs. RIHousing provides loans, grants, education and assistance to help Rhode Islanders find, rent, buy, build and keep a good home. Created by the General Assembly in 1973, RIHousing is a self-sustaining corporation and receives no state funding for operations. For more information regarding RIHousing, visit RIHousing.com or follow us @RIHousing on Facebook, X, and Instagram.