13. A New Basement Was Dug By Hand in the Restoration
The modernization of the Eldridge Street Synagogue during its restoration included installing 20th and 21st-century amenities, like air conditioning and an elevator. The congregation also had to get the building up to code. In order to house the heating, cooling, and electrical systems, a new basement had to be dug. This was done by hand to keep the building stable. Piers were replaced mostly with steel supports, going up to 18 feet below ground.
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