CAMBRIDGE – “Affordable” can mean pretty, you know. And bright, modern and new.

Green Street Housing, in cooperation with Shore Up, has completed the preservation of a row of townhouses on Cosby Street. Rent will be based on occupants’ income.

Julia Jaquette and other employees of Green Street toured the houses on Oct. 5, completing a final check before residents began moving in. “There is a serious need for preservation in Cambridge,” she said.

Funds for the job came through a tax-credit program, in which points are awarded according to the specific needs of preservation and proposed construction. Plans to install hardwood floors and ceiling fans, for instance, helped Green Street to get the job.

The company also made a point of aiming high. “We created a third floor” in the homes, Ms. Jaquette said, giving residents an extra bedroom or two and another bathroom.

A community center among the homes will provide a spot to meet and share information.

Shore Up, a private, non-profit, community-action agency, will send representatives to the development to provide services. These will include credit monitoring and after-school activities.

The Dorchester Family YMCA will also send employees to make sure residents know about the Y’s programs and scholarship opportunities.

“Green Street Housing is dedicated to the creation and preservation of affordable housing in rural areas,” a statement on the company’s website said. “We are involved in numerous competitively awarded and non-competitively financed affordable housing projects under development in Maryland and Delaware.”

Ms. Jaquette said, “I think we’ve made a pretty substantial impact on the neighborhood.”