The Mei Ho House has a deep and important history in Hong Kong. The Shek Kip Mei fire in 1953 left thousands homeless. According to ArtInfo, the property was one of the first resettlement estates built for those displaced, and it also included a shopping center and schools. During WWII, mainland immigrants also moved to the site. The Chinese government has spent the last two years restoring four units in the building to create a heritage museum with over 1200 pieces of furniture and other artifacts from the building's 60 year history.An amazing network has been formed for the museum which includes 166 former residents who give guided tours and share their memories of the space.
In addition to the museum, 129 rooms of the Mei Ho House has been turned into the YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel. The entire revitalization process is very unique. Most large cities or countries around the world would demolish old buildings or convert them into condos, using the heritage of the space as a selling point.
[via ArtInfo]
