Menu Visit The Boston Globe
Business

Amid gentrification, affordable units built in Chinatown

After a long struggle and with a complex financing deal, a rebuilt Hong Lok House begins taking shape for lower-income residents

Comment on this Scroll to top of page

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.

  • Three facades conceal a building that houses newly built Hong Lok housing units in Chinatown.
    JOSH REYNOLDS FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
    Three facades conceal a building that houses newly built Hong Lok housing units in Chinatown.
  • Jimmy Winningham (left) and Ski DiAngelis worked to finish painting the new housing units on Essex Street.
    JOSH REYNOLDS FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
    Jimmy Winningham (left) and Ski DiAngelis worked to finish painting the new housing units on Essex Street.
  • Completion of the first phase next month will create 32 units for low-income elderly residents.
    JOSH REYNOLDS FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
    Completion of the first phase next month will create 32 units for low-income elderly residents.
  • “To create a site in Boston where you can maintain affordable housing is almost an impossibility today,” said developer James Seagle.
    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.
  • Tan Mei, a Hong Lok House tenant, met with social worker David Ko in the original building, which will be demolished.
    JOSH REYNOLDS FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
    Tan Mei, a Hong Lok House tenant, met with social worker David Ko in the original building, which will be demolished.
Most Popular in businessRight Arrow
Real journalists. Real journalism. Subscribe to The Boston Globe today.