HMFH’s work on the Lincoln School, built in 1903, has been praised by the Massachusetts Historical Commission as setting a precedent for the renovation of other historic buildings for school use in Massachusetts. Situated in the center of Winchester, the school is part of a cluster of civic buildings that includes McCall Middle School (renovated by HMFH) as well as the Town Hall and the Library.

The total renovation addressed every aspect of the existing building, creating a modern elementary school with a historic skeleton. Classrooms retain much of their original appearance, but include refinished woodwork, energy-efficient windows, sprinklers, technology infrastructure, and new casework designed to better serve teachers and students. Corridors were renovated to include wood cubbies, and colors and tile patterns were selected to reflect the historic character of the building.

A small addition includes new art and music rooms, and the work also creates a better connection between an earlier gym and auditorium addition.