Norwich — The state Bond Commission Wednesday approved a $1.65 million grant to Norwich Housing Authority for an extensive renovation and upgrade to the 48-unit Schwartz Manor elderly housing complex.

Jeff Arn, Housing Authority executive director, said the project calls for electrical and energy-efficient heating system upgrades to all apartments to lower utility costs for elderly and disabled tenants, converting five apartments to handicapped-accessible units and making the community and laundry rooms handicapped-accessible.

Sidewalks also will be redone to be handicapped-accessible.

The total project cost is $2,370,181, with $500,000 in federal funding and a local match of $213,447.