MassHousing has closed on a $6 million construction bridge loan to convert the former Dalrymple School in Winthrop into 27 affordable apartments for senior citizens.

The Dalrymple School Apartments at 46 Grovers Ave. are being developed by the East Boston Community Development Corp. (EBCDC). All apartments will be affordable for at least 55 years. EBCDC has applied to have the property, which was built in 1920, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The unit mix will include four studio apartments and 23 one-bedroom apartments. The renovation will involve replacing all major building systems, installing an elevator and the re-pointing of exterior masonry. An existing school auditorium will be preserved as a common area for resident activities and functions. The development will provide service options for tenants through EBCDC’s partnerships with the Winthrop Senior Center, the Boston Neighborhood Health Center and the Winthrop Council on Aging.

In addition to the MassHousing loan, the project is receiving funding from HUD’s Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program, the town of Winthrop and equity from and the sale of Historic and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.

The contractor will be CWC Builders, Inc., the architect is Michael Interbartolo and the management agent is Metro Management. Construction is expected to be completed by October 2014.