MassHousing has closed on a $3.2 million construction and permanent loan for low-income senior housing in Charlestown.

The Mary Colbert Apartments, located at 20 Devens St., consists of 30 units and is owned by the nonprofit Charlestown Economic Development Corp. The building was constructed in the 1870s and operated as a school until the 1970s. It was converted to senior housing in 1982 as a HUD Section 202 assisted development, and all 30 units are subsidized by a HUD Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment Contract that runs through 2032.

Planned renovations for the property include repairing exterior brick walls, replacing the original slate roof and windows, installing new electrical breaker panels and making ADA improvements to a common kitchen and laundry area.

"The Mary Colbert Apartments are generally in good condition but the property does need some significant renovations," MassHousing Executive Director Thomas R. Gleason said in a statement. "With long-term affordability already in place, these improvements will restore the property to a top-quality affordable housing community for the senior citizens who live there."

 Construction is expected to be completed over the next 12 months. The contractor is Consigli Construction, the architect is Arthur Vogt of Spencer and Vogt Group and the management agent is Barkan Management Co.