Historic Site Assessment & Documentation Services
Preservation Texas offers a range of professional services to support the identification, evaluation, documentation, and stewardship of historic buildings, sites, and landscapes. These services are available for properties in rural, urban, suburban, and transitional contexts, and are tailored to meet the needs of private property owners, local governments, and organizations. Whether addressing a single historic structure or planning for a broader district or landscape, our team provides expert guidance rooted in preservation best practices.
HISTORIC PROPERTY SITE VISIT AND REPORT – On-site evaluation of the property's condition and significance, including basic historical research. Provides immediate preservation guidance and clear recommendations for next steps, including future research directions and available resources.
A site visit is often the first and most effective step in identifying preservation opportunities, helping to avoid costly missteps and prioritize actions based on expert insight.
The report prepared after a Preservation Texas Site Visit to the Emerald House in Ozona in rural Crockett County affirmed its suitability for future preservation and interpretive efforts.
HISTORICAL RESEARCH – Archival and contextual research to uncover the history and significance of a site, structure, or landscape. Supports interpretive planning, historic designations, and Cultural Resource Management (CRM) compliance.
Understanding the historical context of a place is critical for making informed decisions about its preservation, interpretation, and legal protections.
HISTORIC RESOURCE SURVEY – Systematic documentation of historic properties within a defined area. Includes fieldwork, photography, mapping, and evaluation of architectural and historical significance.
Identification is the first step towards preservation. Surveys establish a clear record of the location and integrity of historic resources which is essential for local planning and designation efforts.
HISTORIC STRUCTURE REPORT – Comprehensive documentation of a historic building’s history, condition, and preservation needs. Includes material analysis, photographic documentation, and treatment recommendations to guide rehabilitation, restoration, relocation, or stabilization.
An HSR provides a reliable, research-based roadmap for preserving or reusing a historic building, helping to secure funding and avoid inappropriate alterations.
Preservation Texas's in-depth documentation of the development of the mid-19th century Neale House in Brownsville uncovered evidence of lost features to guide its rehabilitation.
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE INVENTORY – Baseline documentation of a historic landscape’s existing features, layout, and condition. Includes elements such as circulation patterns, vegetation, spatial organization, and structures. Serves as a foundation for future planning and preservation.
Inventories provide essential reference data for managing change, especially for landscapes with long-term or evolving uses.
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE SURVEY – Analytical assessment of a landscape’s significance and integrity. Builds on inventory data with historical context and evaluation to inform preservation priorities and planning decisions.
Surveys help identify what matters most in a landscape and why, enabling thoughtful planning that respects historical value while accommodating change.
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT – Detailed report combining historical research, condition analysis, and preservation recommendations for significant historic landscapes. Guides long-term care, rehabilitation, and interpretation.
A CLR is a critical tool for stewards of historic landscapes, ensuring preservation decisions are grounded in thorough documentation, research, and analysis.
Developed in partnership with MIG, the Bassett Farms Conservancy Cultural Landscape Report spotlighted important but overlooked features such as the hand-dug, brick lined well on the Bassett Branch of Sulphur Creek in rural Limestone County.
