Wanganui archaeological company Archeological South, led by Anita Sutton, is combing the central city site where three old shops were recently demolished.
The  site where Pfeffers shoe shop, Whitcoulls and Antique Affaire stood had been occupied by cottages and commercial buildings since the 1860s.
Ms Sutton said  so far they had discovered old brick piles, post holes, china and bottles.
"We haven't found anything of great significance yet."
The dig will continue today.