Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 3/6/2005

Question
Is there any value to a mid to late 1800 blue print of a house?
The blueprint is in great condition and is of an ornate house in
Michigan run by a Women's organization.

They want the blue print at no cost.

Is there any value to this blue print? Is there a market for old
blue prints? The architect was William C Clarke. He also is the
architect for the old Singer building in Pasadina, CA.

Answer
Hi Kevin, thanks for your question!

The value of the print depends upon a number of things.  First, there's no value in it for construction; the construction methods of the Victorians aren't used today.

The value of the prints as historical documents depends upon the significance of the house.  If it's a landmark example of the style, or a Historic Register house, or if the house has some other historical value, then the prints might be worth keeping.  I can't find any reference to Mr. Clarke - he may or may not be a significant architect of the period.  If he's well-known in the area, that would increase the value.  The Singer building you mentioned was designed by Everett, Phillips, Babcock in 1926, according to my research.  Could Mr. Clarke have been an employee there at the time?

But the owner/occupier of the house might find value in the prints if they're planning to repair or restore the house.  Original prints can be a big help in determining what was once there.  They would also help in planning an addition.

There are plenty of old prints around and unless they're of an important building, they don't have much cash value.  However, the local historical society in the locale of the house might be glad to have them.  Unless you have a good reason to give them to the current owners, I'd consider taking them to the historical society first.  They'd be protected there and would be available to anyone in the community to view.  In private hands they're more likely to be lost forever.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com