A New York City-based company has purchased 17 buildings in the Garrison-Trotter neighborhood that bisects the Dorchester/Roxbury line for $77.5 million. The NHP Foundation (NHPF) says it plans to upgrade and keep existing tenants in the 227-units that they acquired from New Port Antonio Apartments. All of the units in question are leased through so-called Section 8 contracts.

“The definition of preservation is undertaking an acquisition and rehab without any displacement,” NHPF spokesperson Mecky Adnani told The Reporter. “Yes, NHPF as the new owner not only keeps the current residents under the same property management company during the holding period, but also all residents in good standing will return to their apartments after the renovations with a very short period of temporary relocation.”

Adnani described the company as “a national nonprofit owner and developer and are long-term stewards of affordable housing. There are no market risks when we purchase and preserve this type of property, especially when the units are restricted by the Section 8 contract and a tax credit regulatory agreement in the future.”

NHPF previously purchased Blue Mountain Apartments in the same area and renovated 217 units in 2023, and at the time, the company said keeping these buildings intact for low- and moderate-income residents in the face of a housing pressures citywide is very important.

“Restoring the historic fabric and preserving affordability for all families with roots in this neighborhood became our focus and our goal for this important submarket of Boston,” Adnani said this week.

In making the purchase in June, NHP Foundation assumed an existing $39 million loan on the properties from MassHousing, whose CEO, Chrystal Kornegay, said she shares the same mission as the new owners.

“We were pleased to be part of this transaction that allowed NHPF to take ownership of this important housing resource and to be the new steward for the people who live there,” she said.

According to Adnani, the buildings are “functional” but in need of major renovations and health and safety improvements. Code compliance and historic renovations to the circa 1900 buildings will also be part of the rehab plans.

“The long-term physical viability of this property is at jeopardy,” Adnani said, “and we are prepared to reposition the property in this market and improve the quality of life of the residents.”

The properties in the transaction include 31 Brunswick St., 35 Brunswick St., 52-60 Brunswick St., 58-62 Cheney St., 63 Cheney St., 67 Cheney St., 71 Cheney St., 20-24 Deckard St., 55 Elm Hill Ave., 186-190 Ruthven St., 8 Irwin St., 14 Irwin St., 20 Irwin St., 26 Irwin St., 8 Montana St., 181-185 Ruthven St., 515 Warren St., 4-8 Wellington Ct., and 28 Wyoming St.