YU & Associates, Inc. (YU) provided geotechnical engineering services during the feasibility study for the proposed International High School in Paterson. The project site used to be partially occupied by a former housing complex involving 10-story buildings with basements. Former demolition of the previous buildings resulted in partly controlled backfilled basements with intact former foundation elements. The subsurface conditions were further complicated by the existence of deep deposits of miscellaneous and deleterious fill, which may be environmentally comprised. Borings and test pits were performed, and feasible foundation alternatives involving both deep foundations and shallow foundations developed. The required procedures for site and earthwork preparation were established.