"Super-Stabilization" of Veblen House Complete

Thanks to donations large and small, and a good deal of coordination, the Friends of Herrontown Woods has completed what could be called a "super-stabilization" of Veblen House. I call it super-stabilization because the house has always been a sturdy and stable structure, even back when those wishing to demolish it were alleging otherwise. 

Still, there was some buttressing of the foundation to do, and so our architects drew up detailed plans, and we were fortunate to find a mason and carpenters to do the work.

A desire to hold public events in the house required adding girders in the basement. These, too, were designed by our architects with input from a structural engineer and much internal discussion to get it right. Volunteers have since spread a plastic liner over the crawlspace dirt, to reduce humidity.  

We also moved the basement stairway to better utilize space on the first floor.

Though the basement doesn't flood, even in heavy rains, the hot, humid summer air was still getting in through various openings, causing condensation on the new girders. Fortunately, carpenter Robb Geores has returned to install basement windows. 

With new windows and tightly sealing vents, we now can control when and if outside air enters the basement. 

Thanks to our supporters, mason Jerry Ganz, carpenters Chris Farr and Robb Geores, architects Ahmed Azmy and Sigmund Lerner, and volunteers Scott Sillars and Robert Chong.