The redevelopment of the Hong Lok House in Chinatown is a rare affordable housing success at a time when federal funding for low-income housing is plummeting. The $35 million project on Essex Street will result in 74 apartments for low-income elderly residents of the neighborhood.

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  Three facades conceal a building that houses newly built Hong Lok housing units in Chinatown.
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  JOSH REYNOLDS FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE

  Jimmy Winningham (left) and Ski DiAngelis worked to finish painting the new housing units on Essex Street.
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  JOSH REYNOLDS FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE

  Completion of the first phase next month will create 32 units for low-income elderly residents.
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  JOSH REYNOLDS FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE

  “To create a site in Boston where you can maintain affordable housing is almost an impossibility today,” said developer James Seagle.
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  Tan Mei, a Hong Lok House tenant, met with social worker David Ko in the original building, which will be demolished.