What is this pit in my basement?
This one reminds me of the basement well in the movie, The Ring.
Why did the builder build this pit in my basement? It is directly underneath our chimney/fireplace and matches the dimensions of the fireplace above it. We have high radon in the basement for most of the year (I’m already reaching out to companies about sub-slab systems). We also have high humidity levels in the basement during the warmer months. Do you think this is contributing to either/both problems?
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It looks like it was made to be the foundation for the fireplace, then they realized they didn't need one.
It's either an unused elevator shaft, but it looks too small for that, or more likely, as DC said, a change of plans. Your fireplace and chimney were originally planned to be masonry but were changed to an insert and metal chimney with framed surrounds.
Hellmouth?