Springfield’s Forest Park Apartments has received a $1 million loan from MassHousing to go towards affordable rental housing.

Forest Park Apartments was developed in July 2010 by Boston’s WinnDevelopment for $21 million on the site of the former Longhill Gardens condominiums – a vacant, troubled property that was a constant source of frustration for city officials and neighborhood residents, according to a statement. The development revived a crime-plagued property with more than 100 new apartments.

Of the 109 apartments involved in the MassHousing financing, 88 are affordable and 21 are being rented at market rates.

"The Forest Park Apartments are a sterling example of how quality affordable housing can revitalize a neighborhood for its residents," said MassHousing Executive Director Thomas R. Gleason. "The developer took vacant, blighted buildings that attracted criminal activity and transformed them into a vibrant apartment community that has drawn praise from city officials, residents and neighbors, who also played a major role in this success story."