Atlas Systems Joins the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House Project
Atlas Systems of New England is proud to share that we’ve been chosen to be part of a truly special project, one that combines history, craftsmanship, and innovation right in the heart of Newport, Rhode Island. This fall, our team will begin installing 18 helical piers to support the transformation of the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House. The new addition will serve as a secure space to store historical records and documents connected to the 10 Million Names initiative, helping preserve stories that are an important part of our nation’s history.
For us, this project is personal. As a Rhode Island based company, we take great pride in our New England roots and the incredible history that surrounds us.
This isn’t just another job. It's an opportunity to help preserve a remarkable piece of our past so that future generations can continue to learn from and appreciate the legacy of the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House.
The History of the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House
1696–1697: Home is built by Stephen Mumford
Merchant and Seventh Day Baptist missionary Stephen Mumford constructs the original four-room, two-story home in Newport, Rhode Island and is not considered the oldest surviving house in the city.
1720s–1730s: Owned by Richard Ward
The home passes to Richard Ward, who later becomes governor of Rhode Island. The property begins to reflect the prosperity of Newport’s growing merchant class.
Mid-1700s: Purchased by Martin Howard
Loyalist lawyer Martin Howard makes decorative and structural improvements to the home, adding Georgian details that remain visible today.
1765: Stamp Act Riots
Howard’s outspoken support for British taxes sparks the anger of Newport residents. During the riots, the house is damaged, and Howard flees the colonies, leaving the property behind.
Late 1700s: The Wanton and Lyman Families
The home is acquired by John Wanton, and later inherited by his son-in-law Daniel Lyman, who adds a rear wing around 1782. The Lymans’ tenure gives the house the middle portion of its long name.
1800s: The Hazard Family Era
Through marriage, the house becomes part of the Hazard family, prominent Rhode Islanders involved in politics and commerce. It remains in the family for over a century.
1911: Vacant and Deteriorating
After generations of family ownership, the home is left empty and begins to fall into disrepair.
1927: Saved by the Newport Historical Society
Recognizing its historic value, the Newport Historical Society purchases the house and commissions colonial-era architect Norman Isham to restore it. His work preserves key features from different time periods to reflect the home’s evolving story.
1960: Named a National Historic Landmark
The Wanton–Lyman–Hazard House receives official recognition as a National Historic Landmark, one of the highest honors for historic preservation in the U.S.
1990s–2001: Structural Stabilization & Restoration
A comprehensive study and restoration effort ensures the home’s continued preservation. The project includes stabilization of the structure and conservation of original materials.
2005: Construction Date Confirmed
Dendrochronology (tree-ring) testing confirms that the home’s timber was cut around 1696, validating its age as one of the earliest surviving colonial homes in Rhode Island.
2024–2026: A New Chapter Begins
The Newport Historical Society announces plans to reimagine the house as a center for Black history in Newport and include permanent and rotating exhibits.
Our Project: Laying the Groundwork
Our piece of the project is all about stability which just happens to be something we know a lot about.
We’ll be installing 18 helical piers, which are steel shafts with screw-like plates that anchor deep into stable soil layers below the surface. These piers transfer the weight of the new addition down to solid ground, ensuring it won’t shift or settle over time.
Because helical piers can be installed with minimal vibration or disruption, they’re perfect for a historic site like this one. The Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House has stood for 328 years and we want to keep it that way.
Before we start drilling, we’ll work closely with engineers to assess soil conditions and make sure every pier is placed and torqued to exact specifications. Once installed, each pier will be capped and connected to the structure’s foundation system and will be able do its job for decades to come.
Why Atlas Systems of New England?
The Newport Historical Society chose Atlas Systems of New England because of our experience, trusted reputation, and deep local roots. For years, we’ve worked alongside some of the best contractors in Rhode Island and across New England, tackling challenging foundation projects that call for precision, craftsmanship, and genuine care. Being part of this effort in our own backyard makes it all the more meaningful.
We don’t just show up with equipment; we show up with a commitment to doing things right. Whether it’s a beachfront property in Cape Cod or a centuries-old home in Newport, our goal is the same: provide a foundation that lasts and a process that respects every detail.
Why We Love this Project
It’s not every day you get to play a role in a building that’s older than the country itself. We’re helping make it possible for future generations to study and celebrate history, the kind that connects people, families, and stories across centuries.
Every pier we install is part of something bigger: a foundation that supports not just a structure, but a mission to preserve knowledge, honor lives, and keep history standing strong.
