MassHousing has closed on a $6.1 million loan for the acquisition, preservation and renovation of the 45-unit Lucerne Gardens apartment complex in Dorchester.

Lucerne Gardens is being acquired and renovated by Trinity Financial of Boston. MassHousing has provided a $6.1 million Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity bridge loan as part of the transaction, according to a statement.

The 45 apartments at Lucerne Gardens are contained in 19 scattered buildings located between Morton Street, Woodrow Avenue, Blue Hill Avenue and Norfolk Street. The development has 18 two-bedroom apartments and 27 three-bedroom apartments.

A capital improvement plan at the property calls for significant improvements to the building envelopes with replacement of siding and trim, roofs, windows, rain gutters, decking and stairs. Interior improvements will include new kitchens as well as significant bathroom upgrades and the installation of energy-efficient light fixtures. Many units will receive a new heating system and a new video camera security system will be installed with a central monitoring station.

The project is also expected to receive $3.2 million from the syndication of federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, $1.6 million from the syndication of state Low Income Housing Tax Credits, $750,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund – managed by MassHousing on behalf of the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) – $1.4 million from DHCD and $750,000 from the city of Boston.

"Lucerne Gardens is a valuable affordable housing resource for Dorchester but it needs a makeover so its residents can enjoy its full potential," MassHousing Executive Director Thomas R. Gleason said in a statement. "Trinity Financial has an exemplary track record of creating and preserving quality affordable housing for low and moderate-income residents of Massachusetts and we are pleased to be a financing partner in this important housing community in Dorchester."