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21 TheSouthShoreMagazine.com by Erica Ford, photography by Kerry Riordan When the roof of the original Hingham Lincoln Building collapsed during the winter storms of 2015, the owners of the building, Reuven Levi and Charlene Flynn, took action to replace it with a replica of the beloved 1859 building. "As a lifelong Hingham resident, it was my dream to keep the original design and preserve the charming aesthetics and history of downtown Hingham," says Flynn. Over the past 160 years, the original Lincoln Building had housed a post office, a Masonic hall, a dry goods store, a tailor's shop, an ice- cream parlor, a hardware store, a dentist's office and dancing school. At the time of its collapse, the building was occupied by three retail shops, an appraisal business and Flynn's realty company, TLC Real Estate. Luckily, no one was injured, and the town declared that the building could not be saved. Hingham architect Steven Meyers drew up plans for a new Lincoln Building. After a year and a half and several development and review processes, the Hingham Zoning Board of Appeals approved the project in September 2016. Residents were happy to see builder Falconeiri Construction break ground in 2017. The result is a stunning replica of the original building, with five commercial spaces on the first floor and six apartments on the two upper stories. TLC Real Estate occupies one of the spaces and the others will house high-end retail shops that will appeal to the community. "We will be seeing the shops starting their renovations and designs soon," says Flynn. "These are extremely exciting additions to Hingham's distinctive downtown." Four one-bedroom units make up the second floor, and two penthouse suites are on the top floor. These high-end luxury apartments have barn doors, deluxe tiling and top of the line kitchens with custom cabinetry. The large windows and high ceilings make the units beautifully open and bright. The grandeur of the details is second to none. "We put a lot of thought and a lot of love into these apartments; when you walk in, you can't help but say, "Wow," says Flynn. The high-tech security systems allow you to see visitors on your phone, marrying the charm of old Hingham with all the modern amenities of today. Making the Lincoln Building even more unique is the fact that a brook flows underneath it, which inspired the Lincoln Building apartment community's name: "The Residences at the Brooke." The name Brooke is special for another reason: it is the name of Flynn's youngest daughter. She named her real estate company "TLC" after her daughters, Taylor, Lindsay and Casey, before Brooke was born, and learning of the historic brook was the perfect coincidence and inspiration. TLC Real Estate is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, which made the grand opening of the new Lincoln Building especially rewarding. The combination of shops and living space has been a great success. "It helps businesses and enriches the community. The residents love living downtown," says Flynn. One woman who downsized from her family home chose the Residences at the Brooke because of its proximity to her church and the ease of walking to shops and restaurants. She appreciates that she has found a haven right in the center of Hingham, near everything that is familiar to her. Another resident is a young nurse who works at a Boston hospital and loves her elegant apartment and the convenience of her commute. She calls her new home "heaven in Hingham." From young professionals to retirees to empty nesters to young families, the Residences at the Brooke appeal to everyone. "By adding this to the heart of Hingham, we have touched every demographic," says Flynn. "It is a testament to the value of our heritage, as well as to how much people enjoy downtown Hingham living. Everything is at your doorstep, right where you feel at home." After a long process and thoughtful planning, the new Lincoln Building is receiving wild praise. "Hingham has changed so much during the past twenty years that it was important to us to maintain the integrity of a building that has been a huge, beloved presence in our downtown," Flynn says. "We wanted to keep its historical look and essence. The mixed-use component is adding even more vibrancy to Hingham, and we're thrilled about the positive response." Check out the new Lincoln Building at 51-55 South Street. To learn more about living at its luxurious Residences at the Brooke, contact Charlene Flynn at TLC Real Estate www.thetlccompanies. com 781.789.2671 cflynn@tlcrelo.com. TLC is a full service real estate company focusing on relocation, residential real estate, commercial real estate and property management. Flynn and the committed team of brokers have the experience to help with any of your real estate needs. THE NEW LINCOLN BUILDING: Retail Spaces and Residences Have Opened to Rave Reviews