MassHousing has closed $8.9 million in financing to renovate and maintain the affordability of the 101-unit Central Annex Apartments for elderly and disabled residents in Pittsfield.

The MassHousing financing includes a $5.4 million construction and permanent loan and a $3.5 million bridge loan. An additional $1.75 million is being provided from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which is managed by MassHousing on behalf of the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Other funding for the development is being provided by DHCD and equity from the sale of Low Income Housing Tax Credits.

Central Annex is comprised of two low-rise brick buildings. The first, located on Second Avenue, was built as the Central High School in 1898. The other, located on Union Street, started as the Berkshire Hotel in 1905. In 1979, both buildings were converted into housing with MassHousing financing and both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) of Boston, which owns the Central Annex Apartments, has renewed the Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment contract on all 101 apartments, which will keep them affordable for at least the next 20 years.

The contractor will be Keith Construction Inc. and the architect is Guzman Prufer Inc. The management agent will be POAH.