I have had two underhouse experiences that solved most of the referenced
problems.  Both of these projects were in Kansas: both on structures from
the 1850s.  The first was the Hollenberg Pony Express station--a single
story frame building that was jacked up slightly, put on  very long I-beams,
applied soap, and slid the building to the side while the foundation was
repaired and we did underhouse excavations.  The second was Constitution
hall, a two story frame building that was lifted off its foundation by
I-beams--some 8 feet--to do foundation and sill repairs, and while we did
underhouse excavations.  Having a two-story building dangling over your
head, with I-beams resting on stacked railroad ties, was very unsettling at
first, but like most things you got used to it and the imminent threat of
death did not cross your mind much.


William B. Lees, Ph.D., RPA
CULTURAL RESOURCE ANALYSTS, INC.