The Lincoln School redevelopment is a collaborative project between SMG Development and Leeward Ventures Soo Area Public Schools and the City of Sault Ste. Marie, that reimagines a long-vacant neighborhood school into a mixed-use, community-centered housing development designed to strengthen the surrounding neighborhood while addressing critical housing needs.

Rather than demolishing the entire site, the project intentionally reuses the existing Lincoln School building, preserving its community legacy and adapting it for new public-serving uses. The renovated structure will house a Community Action senior center and Head Start programs, ensuring the site continues to serve families and residents across generations. This adaptive reuse anchors the development with active, day-to-day community programming and maintains a familiar presence within the neighborhood.

The broader redevelopment plan introduces a thoughtfully scaled residential component that blends seamlessly with the existing neighborhood fabric. The project includes:

25 for-sale single-family homes, targeted to local workforce and middle-income households

24 new apartment units, offering 2- and 3-bedroom layouts, designed for families and long-term residents

Home designs emphasize architectural compatibility with surrounding housing, using similar massing, rooflines, and streetscape orientation to maintain neighborhood continuity rather than introducing disruptive or oversized forms. The goal is for the new homes to feel like a natural extension of the existing community.

Public and shared spaces are a central feature of the site plan. The redevelopment incorporates open community space, including playgrounds for children and designated dog run areas, supporting active lifestyles and informal neighborhood gathering. These amenities reinforce the site’s historic role as a place for community connection while enhancing quality of life for new and existing residents alike.

The Lincoln School project reflects a shared commitment by SMG Development and Leeward Ventures to responsible infill development—one that balances housing production with community preservation. Through adaptive reuse, mixed-income housing, and neighborhood-scaled design, the project demonstrates how legacy public sites can be transformed into lasting assets that serve residents today and for decades to come.