Sadly, So Uk Estate will be celebrating its golden anniversary in 2011 with nothing but bulldozers and 16 empty blocks waiting for demolition.
Located in Cheung Sha Wan and in service since the early 60s, So Uk Estate was Hong Kong's third public housing project. Even though it is still in good condition, the Housing Authority decided in 2006 to demolish it to make way for a new development due to high maintenance costs.
But Hong Kong is not ready to send-off 'The King of Public Estates' yet. The Salvation Army has been holding guided tours of the estate since July.
Through interesting stories told by the resident guides, visitors can get a glimpse of the history of the estate and be part of the community for a short while.
So Uk Estate has nurtured countless middle-class Hongkongers, not to mention celebrities such as Canto-pop pioneer Sam Hui Kwun-kit and his brothers, and legendary band Beyond's Wong Ka-kui and Wong Ka-keung.
It is also architecturally celebrated. It was the first public housing estate to adopt a 'Y' shape design. And it has some rare features, including spacious open areas, plentiful greenery, three different building designs in one estate and - most surprising of all - balconies for every flat, which is luxurious by today's standards.