The Yale Anthropology project is located at 158 Whitney Avenue in New Haven Connecticut. The existing 13,000 square foot, wood frame, rubble-wall foundation building has had three additions put on since the original building was built in 1836; a two-story north wing, a two-story south wing, and the addition of a third floor to the main structure. This existing structure will be completely gutted and a new foundation will be placed.

The project also includes an 18,000 square foot steel-framed addition. The scope of work involves site improvements, including a new automated irrigation system, new roofing, interior layout and finishes, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing services. Of specific import to the project is the replication of both interior and exterior design features of the building including columns and pilasters, railings, balustrades, moldings and trim, that have been salvaged from the building prior to demolition, and will be replicated with new construction materials.   

A major component of this renovation involved demolishing and replacing the existing rubble-wall foundation system in the original structure. To accomplish this, the entire interior of the wood frame building was demolished down to the stud wall system (the exterior siding needed to remain as it held the interior framing together). The next step was then to excavate the existing basement. In conjunction with excavating, a house-jacking crew was brought in to stabilize the structure from underneath. As the excavation continued, load bearing points were chosen to have these ‘jacking stands’ placed below. The stands were constructed of 6”x6” beams approximately four feet long placed in an alternating ‘Jenga’-like tower pattern. Once all the points were secured, hydraulic lifts were placed inside the towers. The hydraulic lifts then raised the building at the load bearing points. As the jacks were slowly raising the structure, more beams were placed.  The building was raised a total of 36” from the original foundation height. From that point the existing rubble-wall foundation was demolished and a new concrete foundation was put in place. The new basement level was several feet lower than the original. Once all new foundation walls were poured and cured, the house was lowered back down the 36” and set on the new structure. The jacking stands were disassembled as it was being lowered and removed at the finish of the process.