Building & House Histories  

We would be honored to uncover & showcase the history of your historic property. Below are the different historic investigation options.

Property Timeline

  • The Property Timeline provides a detailed chronological history of a building from its earliest known origins to the present day. Through archival research, BVL Historic Preservation Research documents major ownership transitions, construction campaigns, additions, alterations, significant occupants, and notable events associated with the site.

    Research may include deeds, plats, maps, photographs, newspapers, city directories, census records, and other primary source materials. Findings are organized into a clear, illustrated timeline that establishes the property's historical development and evolution over time.

    The Property Timeline is ideal for homeowners, preservation planning, architectural projects, and those seeking a foundational understanding of a property's history.

  • The research is presented in a professionally designed timeline that will also include all images and significant documents uncovered during the investigation. The client will receive both a digital and printed copy. The printed copy is formally bound.

  • $6,500

  • Preview of BVL Property Timeline

Comprehensive Property History

  • This property history goes beyond a traditional timeline to explore the full story of a building and its people. Through extensive archival research, BVL HPR investigates the building’s ownership, architectural evolution, historic residents, and broader historical context to create a more detailed narrative of its identity over time. Research may include deeds, wills, maps, photographs, newspapers, city directories, census records, and other primary source materials to uncover the unique stories embedded within the site and place the building within both local and national historic contexts.

    Significant individuals, events, and periods of change are explored in greater depth, transforming historical facts into a cohesive timeline that explains not only what happened but why. The result is a richly documented account that reveals the property's significance, character, and connection to the surrounding community.

  • The research is presented in a professionally designed timeline that will also include all images and significant documents uncovered during the investigation. The client will receive both a digital and printed copy. The printed copy is formally bound.

  • $10,500

  • Preview a BVL Comprehensive Property History

Signature House History

(Hardcover)

  • BVL’s Signature House History is a museum-quality hardcover book that tells the complete story of a historic house and the people who shaped it. Through extensive archival research, BVL HPR will document the building's architectural evolution, historic residents, ownership history, and context within both local and national history.

    Consulting local, state, and national archives, BVL HPR will investigate the dwelling from its construction to the present day, uncovering deeds, maps, photographs, newspapers, census records, and other primary source materials. The resulting narrative transforms historical facts into a compelling and richly illustrated story that brings the house and its former occupants to life.

    Designed as both a research resource and family heirloom, the finished hardcover volume includes a concise timeline, a detailed historical narrative with photographs and figures, and appendices containing supporting documentation and imagery.

  • The history is presented in a professionally designed hardcover book with customized illustrations and formal photography to further bring the building to life.

  • $18,500

  • Preview of BVL Signature House History

Full sample volumes available upon request.

Legacy Property History

(Hardcover)

  • The Legacy Property History represents the most comprehensive level of historical research offered by BVL Historic Preservation Research. Going beyond the history of a single structure, this service documents the entire evolution of a property and its landscape - from the earliest land grants to the present day.

    Research explores not only the primary residence, but also historic land ownership, agricultural and economic uses, outbuildings, landscape features, archaeological resources, family networks, and the property's role within the broader history of its region. Through extensive investigation of archival records, maps, photographs, deeds, wills, newspapers, and other primary sources, BVL HPR reconstructs the property's complete historical narrative.

    The resulting hardcover publication weaves together the stories of the land, its buildings, and its people into a richly illustrated and deeply researched account. Particularly suited for plantations, farms, estates, large tracts, and historically significant properties, the Legacy Property History serves as the definitive historical record of a place and its enduring impact on the surrounding community.

  • The history is presented in a professionally designed hardcover book with customized illustrations and formal photography to further bring the building to life.

  • $22,500

  • Preview of BVL Signature Property History

Full sample volumes available upon request.