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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
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[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

For the transition period from ________________ to ___________________

Commission file number 33-26385
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DIVERSIFIED HISTORIC INVESTORS VII
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Pennsylvania 23-2539694
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

SUITE 500, 1521 LOCUST STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19102
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (215) 735-5001

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 17,839 Units

UNITS OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTEREST
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(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
days. Yes X_ No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy
or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of
this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

Aggregate market value of Units held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant: Not Applicable*

* Securities not quoted in any trading market to Registrant's
knowledge.

PART I

Item 1. Business

a. General Development of Business

Diversified Historic Investors VII ("Registrant")
is a limited partnership formed in 1988 under the Pennsylvania Uniform
Limited Partnership Act. As of December 31, 1996, Registrant had
outstanding 17,839 units of limited partnership interest (the
"Units").

Registrant is presently in its operating stage.
It originally owned seven properties or interests therein. Interests
in two properties have been lost through foreclosure of the
properties, and interests in two others have been reduced
substantially. See Item 2. Properties, for a description of the
remaining properties. It currently owns interests in five properties.
For a discussion of the operations of the Registrant, See Part II,
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and the Results of Operations.

The following is a summary of significant
transactions involving the Registrant's interests:

A property owned by Robidoux Redevelopment Joint
Venture ("RRJV"), a limited partnership in which the Registrant owns a
99% interest, has historically been unable, from its own revenues, to
meet its operating expenses and required debt service payments, the
Developer/Operating General Partner has provided the necessary funds.
Through 1992, these funds were provided pursuant to legal obligations.
Thereafter, the Registrant was able to prevail upon the Developer to
continue such funding on a voluntary basis. In 1996, the Developer
reported that it was no longer able nor willing to make such advances.
To avoid loss of RRJV's property, either through foreclosure or a
forced sale at depressed values, in January 1997 the Registrant has
sold approximately 20% of its interest in RRJV. Simultaneously with
the sale, the Partnership Agreement was amended to allocate Low Income
Housing Tax Credits in the amount of $1,081,930 over the next nine
years to the purchaser. The proceeds from the sale were sufficient to
satisfy outstanding obligations and should enable RRJV to continue to
operate in the foreseeable future.

In February 1990, Registrant acquired a 99%
general partnership interest in Northern Liberty Development
Associates ("NLDA"), a Pennsylvania limited partnership which owned
approximately 250,000 square feet ("sf") of undeveloped property in
the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The
property was acquired during the active historic residential rental
period in downtown Philadelphia and was intended to be rehabilitated
as historically-certified, market rate residences; this use was in
keeping with the redevelopment and gentrification of the Northern
Liberties section of Philadelphia. Due to the significant downturn in
many sections of the country in the urban real estate market for
luxury housing, the original development plan was reconsidered. The
Registrant explored various alternatives including the development of
the property for light industrial use or artists' loft space.
However, these projects were determined to be economically infeasible
due to the deteriorating physical condition of the property. During
1994, the Registrant was contacted by a local neighborhood group that
was interested in developing the property in a way that would
rehabilitate the existing historic structure. The Registrant entered
into negotiations with the group and in December 1994, the Registrant
donated to the neighborhood group all but a 12,247 sf vacant lot. At
the time of the donation, there was no outstanding debt on the
property.

In 1990, the Registrant acquired a 19% minority
interest for $550,000 in Mass & L Street Associates ("Mass & L"), a
general partnership which owned a hotel called the Morrison Clark Inn.
As a result of insufficient cash flow, Mass & L was unable to meet
scheduled debt service payments. In May 1992, in order to forestall
the threatened foreclosure by the lender, a reorganization petition
was filed pursuant to Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In
February 1993, a party holding a mortgage on the property, with
permission of the bankruptcy court, foreclosed on the property.

On March 1, 1993, Shriver Square Joint Venture
("SSJV"), a general partnership in which the Registrant owns a 98%
interest, filed a reorganization petition pursuant to Chapter 11 of
the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. SSJV filed a Plan of Reorganization and an
Amended Plan of Reorganization (the "Amended Plan"). The Amended
Plan, with some minor changes, was confirmed on October 15, 1993. See
Item 2.c. Properties for a description of the Amended Plan. Due to
insufficient cash flow generated by the property, SSJV ceased making
debt service payments in January 1995. The loan was declared in
default by the lender and, on March 30, 1995, the deed to the
property, which was held in escrow pursuant to the Amended Plan, was
delivered to the first mortgage holder.

On August 14, 1992, Commercial Federal Realty
Investors Corporation ("CFRIC"), the owner of a 2% interest in the
Hill Hotel Apartments Joint Venture ("HHAJV") (the partnership which
owns Kensington Tower) filed an action in the District Court of
Douglas County, Nebraska seeking damages of $225,000 plus interest
alleged to be due under the terms of various agreements between
parties which were executed in connection with the establishment of
the joint venture. The Registrant denied liability and filed a
counterclaim seeking declaratory judgment and money damages for breach
of contract and breach of fiduciary duty. On June 1, 1993, a
settlement agreement was reached and an Amended and Restated Joint
Venture Agreement was reached whereby the Registrant was entitled to
retain all funds held in escrow ($275,000) pursuant to the original
joint venture agreement. In return, CFRIC agreed to convert
$1,319,000 in amounts owed to it by HHAJV to a capital contribution,
(increasing its ownership in HHAJV to 70%) and will receive 100% of
future income, losses and tax credits for tax purposes until such time
as it recovers $319,000 of the capital contribution, any advances it
must make on behalf of the property in the form of loan reduction and
cash flow shortfalls (with interest at 10%), and any amounts resulting
from any recapture of tax credits. Thereafter, future income and
losses for both book and tax purposes will be allocated 70% to CFRIC
and 30% to the Registrant.

b. Financial Information about Industry Segments

The Registrant operates in one industry segment.

c. Narrative Description of Business

Registrant is in the business of operating,
holding, selling, exchanging and otherwise dealing in and with real
properties containing improvements which are "Certified Historic
Structures," as such term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code (the
"Code"), or which are eligible for designation as such, for use as
apartments, offices, hotels and commercial spaces, or any combination
thereof, or low income housing eligible for the tax credit provided by
Section 42 of the Code, and such other uses as the Registrant's
general partner may deem appropriate.

Since the Registrant's inception, all the
properties acquired either by the Registrant, or the subsidiary
partnerships in which it has an interest, except for one (Northern
Liberties), have been rehabilitated and certified as Historic
Structures and have received the related Investment Tax Credit. In
addition, three properties (Flint Goodridge, Kensington Tower and
Robidoux) are low-income housing structures which qualify for, have
received, and will continue to receive, the Low Income Tax Credits.
Four properties currently held by the Registrant are held for rental
operations and one property's final use has not yet been determined.
At this time it is anticipated that all the properties, except the
undeveloped property, will continue to be held for this purpose. At
such time as real property values begin to increase, the Registrant
will re-evaluate its investment strategy regarding the properties.

As of December 31, 1996, Registrant owned
interests in five properties located in Nebraska (one), Missouri
(one), Pennsylvania (one), and Louisiana (two). In total, the
properties in which the Registrant has a controlling interest (Flint-
Goodridge and Robidoux) contain 153 apartment units. As of December
31, 1996, 145 apartment units were under lease at monthly rental rates
ranging from $195 to $596. For a further discussion of the
properties, see Item 2. Properties.

The Registrant is affected by and subject to the
general competitive conditions of the residential real estate
industry. Due to the overbuilding that occurred in the 1980's, the
competition for moderate-to-low income residential tenants in the
local markets where the Registrant's properties are located is
generally strong. As a result, the Registrant is forced to keep its
rent levels competitively low in order to maintain moderate to high
occupancy levels. In each market (New Orleans, Louisiana, Omaha,
Nebraska, and St. Joseph's, Missouri), there are several similar
historically-certified rehabilitated buildings that are available to
tenants who fall within certain income restrictions. However, there
is no organization which holds a dominant position in the residential
housing in any of the geographic areas in which Registrant's
properties are located.

Registrant has no employees. Registrant's
activities are overseen by Brandywine Construction & Management, Inc.
("BCMI"), a real estate management firm.

d. Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic
Operations and Export Sales.

See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary
Data

Item 2. Properties

As of December 31, 1996, Registrant owned
controlling interests in three partnerships which each own one
property and minority interests in two additional partnerships which
each own one property. A summary description of each property is
given below.

a. Flint-Goodridge Apartments - consists of a 93 unit
low income housing facility at 2425 Louisiana Avenue in New Orleans,
Louisiana. In July 1989, Registrant acquired a 90% interest in Flint-
Goodridge General Partnership ("FGGP"), a general partnership which
owns Flint-Goodridge Apartments, for a cash contribution of
$2,808,000. Registrant subsequently capitalized $574,000 in
acquisition costs related to the investment. FGGP acquired and
rehabilitated the buildings for $5,108,022 ($100.99 per sf), including
a mortgage note payable of $2,427,000. The note bears interest at 10%
and both principal (based on a 30-year amortization) and interest are
payable monthly until June 2020. The principal balance at December
31, 1996 was $2,257,650. In addition, FGGP entered into a 45-year
ground lease for the land on which the buildings are located for a
lump sum rent of $90,000 payable at the inception of the lease. The
property is managed by a property management firm which is an
affiliate of the Registrant's co-general partner in FGGP. As of
December 31, 1996, 86 units were under lease (92%) with monthly rents
ranging from $404 to $560. All leases are renewable, one-year leases.
The occupancy rate has been 99% for 1995, 96% for 1994, 96% for 1993
and 92% for 1992. The monthly rental range has been approximately the
same since 1992. For tax purposes, this property has a federal tax
basis of $4,082,816 and is depreciated using the straight-line method
of depreciation with a useful life of 27.5 years. The annual real
estate taxes are $2,953 which is based on an assessed value of $18,300
taxed at a rate of $161.37 per $1,000. No one tenant occupies ten
percent or more of the building. It is the opinion of the management
of the Registrant that the property is adequately covered by
insurance.

b. Robidoux School Apartments - consists of a 60 unit
low income housing facility at 201 South 10th Street in St. Joseph,
Missouri. In September 1989, Registrant acquired a 99% general
partnership interest in Robidoux Redevelopment Joint Venture ("RRJV"),
a Missouri general partnership which owns the property, for a cash
capital contribution of $2,400,000. Registrant subsequently
capitalized $446,000 in acquisition costs relating to the investment.
The cost to acquire and rehabilitate the property was $3,641,993
($99.52 sf) including a construction note payable of $1,450,000, a
Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG") loan of $74,000 (principal
balance at December 31, 1996 of $27,675), and a CDBG grant of $38,500.
The construction loan's maturity was first extended from November 30,
1992 to May 15, 1993, by reducing the principal balance by $200,000
and then extended again until September 15, 1994 by reducing the
principal balance by $200,000, payable $100,000 on June 17, 1993,
$50,000 on September 14, 1993 and $50,000 on March 15, 1994. The loan
was further extended to March 15, 1995 by paying an extension fee
equal to one-half (1/2) percent of the principal balance and again
until June 15, 1995. On October 30, 1995, the construction loan was
repaid with two new loans, one for $850,000 (principal balance of
$831,099 at December 31, 1996) and the other for $200,000 (principal
balance of $0 at December 31, 1996.) The first loan bears interest at
9% with monthly principal and interest payments based on a 30 year
amortization, principal balance due in October 2005. The second loan
has an interest rate of 8.75% and was due in March 1996. This note
was repaid by an advance in March 1996 from David E. Slattery, an
affiliate of the Registrant's co-general partner. The advance will be
repaid out of available cash flow and is non-interest bearing. The
amounts repaid on the construction loan from the period November 1992
to June 1995 were funded by a line of credit extended by another
lender ($489,539 principal outstanding at December 31, 1996) which
bears interest at prime plus 1% (9.25% and 9.5% at December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively) and is due July 2000. The CDBG loan bears
interest at 1% and both principal and interest are payable monthly
until September 2000. The property is managed by a property
management firm which is an affiliate of the Registrant's co-general
partner of RRJV. As of December 31, 1996, 59 of the 60 apartment
units were under lease (98%), with monthly rents ranging from $195 to
$596. All leases are renewable, one-year leases. The occupancy rate
has been 92% for 1995, 87% for 1994, 97% for 1993 and 93% for 1992.
The monthly rental range has been approximately the same since 1992.
For tax purposes, this property has a federal tax basis of $4,317,625
and is depreciated using the straight-line method of depreciation with
a useful life of 27.5 years. The annual real estate taxes are $1,115
which is based on an assessed value of $13,840 taxed at a rate of
$80.56 per $1,000. No one tenant occupies ten percent or more of the
building. It is the opinion of the management of the Registrant that
the property is adequately covered by insurance.

c. The Bakery Apartments - consists of 68 apartment
units at 1111 South Peter Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. In March
1991, Registrant acquired a 16.83% general partnership interest in The
Bakery Apartments General Partnership ("BAGP"), a Louisiana general
partnership which owns the property, for a cash contribution of
$300,000. Certain affiliates of the Registrant simultaneously
acquired 82.17% of the general partnership interests in the same
Louisiana general partnership for an aggregate cash contribution of
$1,400,000. BAGP acquired and rehabilitated the property for
$5,029,000 ($65.18 per sf). The rehabilitation of the property was
financed in part with two loans, one for $3,135,000 (principal balance
of $3,018,994 at December 31, 1996) and the other for $201,500
(principal balance of $194,924 at December 31, 1996). The first loan
bears interest at 8.25%, with monthly principal and interest payments
based on a 30 year amortization schedule and is due in 1999. The
second loan is from the general partner of BAGP and has the same terms
as the first loan. In March 1991, a $175,000 collateral mortgage note
(principal balance of $169,385 at December 31, 1996) was issued to the
developer/partner for working capital advances. This note bears
interest at 9% with payments based on available positive cash flow of
the property. In order to satisfy certain credit requirements of the
lender, the Registrant exchanged its general partnership interest for
a limited partnership interest in a reconstituted partnership.
However, the Registrant retained substantially the same rights and
privileges as it had as a general partner. The property is managed by
a property management firm which is an affiliate of the general
partner of BAGP. As of December 31, 1996, 65 units are under lease
(96%) with monthly rents ranging from $460 to $1,900. All leases are
renewable, one year leases. The occupancy rates have been 100% for
1995, 93% for 1994, 92% for 1993 and 93% for 1992. The monthly rental
range has been approximately the same since 1992. For tax purposes,
this property has a federal tax basis of $3,381,856, and is
depreciated using the straight-line method of depreciation with a
useful life of 27.5 years. The annual real estate taxes are $11,708
which is based on an assessed value of $65,700 taxed at a rate of
$17.82 per $100. No one tenant occupies ten percent or more of the
building. It is the opinion of the management of the Registrant that
the property is adequately covered by insurance.

d. Kensington Tower ("Hill Hotel")- consists of a 65
unit low income housing facility and 3,550 sf of commercial space at
505 South 16th Street in Omaha, Nebraska. In June 1989, Registrant
acquired a 98% general partnership interest in Hill Hotel Apartments
Joint Venture ("HHAJV"), a Nebraska general partnership which owns the
property for a cash contribution of $2,350,000. HHAJV acquired and
rehabilitated the property for $4,369,249 ($105.93 sf), including a
construction note payable of $2,700,000. The note was originally due
in April 1992. During 1990 and 1991, this note was partially
refinanced with $400,000 of a $600,000 Community Development Block
Grant ("CDBG") loan (principal balance at December 31, 1996 of
$600,000), a $500,000 Tax Increment Financing ("TIF") Loan (principal
balance at December 31, 1996 of $221,764) and a $1,100,000
subordinated note payable to the co-general partner. In 1992, the
remaining $200,000 of the CDBG Loan was applied to the construction
loan ($60,000) and to the TIF Loan ($140,000), in order to extend the
date of the construction loan's maturity from April 1992 to June 1993.
The construction loan balance was $1,030,591 at December 31, 1993. In
March 1994, the construction loan was repaid with a $665,000
(principal balance of $581,875 at December 31, 1996), 15-year
permanent loan with an interest rate of 8-3/8% and a $365,000 equity
contribution from Commercial Federal Realty Investors Corporation, the
Registrant's co-general partner. On June 1, 1993, an amended and
restated joint venture agreement was reached whereby the Registrant's
interest was reduced to a 30% interest. See Item 1.a. for additional
information The property is managed by an independent property
management firm. As of December 31, 1996, 61 units are under lease
(94%) with monthly rents ranging from $300 to $445. All leases are
renewable, one-year leases. The occupancy rates have been 94% for
1995, 89% for 1994, 92% for 1993 and 89% for 1992. The monthly rental
range has been approximately the same since 1992. For tax purposes,
this property has a federal tax basis of $5,323,340, and is
depreciated using the straight-line method of depreciation with a
useful life of 27.5 years. The annual real estate taxes are $55,283
which is based on an assessed value of $2,045,900 taxed at a rate of
$27.02 per $1,000. No one tenant occupies ten percent or more of the
building. It is the opinion of the management of the Registrant that
the property is adequately covered by insurance.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

a. To the best of its knowledge, Registrant is not
party to, nor is any of its property the subject of any pending
material legal proceedings.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matter was submitted during the fiscal year covered
by this report to a vote of security holders.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters

a. There is no established public trading market for
the Units. Registrant does not anticipate any such market will
develop. Trading in the units occurs solely through private
transactions. The Registrant is not aware of the prices at which
trades occur. Registrant's records indicate that 266 units of record
were sold or exchanged in 1996.

b. As of December 31, 1996, there were 1,717 record
holders of Units.

c. Registrant has not declared any cash dividends in
1996 or 1995.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following selected financial data are for the five
years ended December 31, 1996. The data should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.
This data is not covered by the independent auditors' report.

1996 1995 1994 1993 1992

Rental income $ 713,215 $ 829,061 $ 1,271,400 $ 1,323,950 $ 1,135,053
Interest income 1,742 1,591 1,851 16,010 42,911
Net loss 708,659 1,482,456 3,783,580 1,982,140 1,341,756
Net loss per Unit 39.33 82.28 209.97 110.00 74.46
Total assets (net of
depreciation and
amortization) 9,929,110 10,194,943 15,894,832 19,711,424 24,851,148
Debt obligations 3,605,963 3,858,348 7,197,834 9,087,050 7,184,570

Note: See Part II, Item 7.2 Results of Operations for a discussion
of factors which materially affect the comparability of the
information reflected in the above table.

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations

(1) Liquidity

As of December 31, 1996 Registrant had total
unrestricted cash of $66,639. Such funds are expected to be used to
pay liabilities and general and administrative expenses of the
Registrant, and to fund cash deficits of the properties. Cash
generated from operations is used primarily to fund operating expenses
and debt service. If cash flow proves to be insufficient, the
Registrant will attempt to negotiate loan modifications with the
various lenders in order to remain current on all obligations. The
Registrant is not aware of any additional sources of liquidity.

As of December 31, 1996, Registrant had restricted
cash of $94,758 consisting primarily of funds held as security
deposits, replacement reserves and escrows for taxes and insurance.
As a consequence of these restrictions as to use, Registrant does not
deem these funds to be a source of liquidity.

In recent years the Registrant has realized
significant losses, including the foreclosure of two properties. At
the present time, with the exception of Northern Liberty, the
remaining properties are able to generate enough cash flow to cover
their operating expenses and debt service, but there is no additional
cash available to the Registrant to pay its general and administrative
expenses.

It is the Registrant's intention to continue to
hold the properties until they can no longer meet the debt service
requirements and the properties (or its interests therein) are
foreclosed, or the market value of the properties increases to a point
where they can be sold at a price which is sufficient to repay the
underlying indebtedness. With respect to Northern Liberty, any
development of the remaining lot and building will require additional
funding of capital. The Registrant has not yet identified any sources
for this funding.

The legal proceedings in which the Registrant has
been involved over the last several years has only affected the
Registrant's liquidity to the extent that legal fees were required to
be paid, as none of the properties or interests that were ultimately
lost had previously generated any positive cash flow.

(2) Capital Resources

Due to the relatively recent rehabilitations of
the properties, any capital expenditures needed are generally
replacement items and are funded out of cash from operations or
replacement reserves, if any. The Registrant is not aware of any
factors which would cause historical capital expenditure levels not to
be indicative of capital requirements in the future, and accordingly,
does not believe that it will have to commit material resources to
capital investment for the foreseeable future.

(3) Results of Operations

During 1996, the Registrant incurred a net loss of
$708,659 ($39.33 per limited partnership unit), compared to a net loss
of $1,482,456 ($82.28 per limited partnership unit) in 1995, and a net
loss of $3,783,580 ($209.97 per limited partnership unit) in 1994.
Included in the 1994 loss is $2,830,664 of extraordinary loss relating
to the donation of the property owned by Northern Liberty Development
Associates. Included in the loss for 1995 is $697,082 of
extraordinary loss relating to the foreclosure of Shriver Square.

Rental income decreased from $1,271,400 in 1994 to
$829,061 in 1995 to $713,215 in 1996. The decrease from 1995 to 1996
and 1994 to 1995 is mainly due to the foreclosure of Shriver Square on
March 30, 1995. The decrease from 1995 to 1996 is partially offset by
an increase in rental income at Flint Goodridge due to higher average
rental rates. In addition, the decrease from 1994 to 1995 is due to a
decrease at Robidoux due to a gradual decrease in rents charged by the
property (as discussed below) partially offset by an increase in
rental income at Flint Goodridge due to an increase in the average
occupancy at the property.

Operating expenses decreased from $650,715 in 1994
to $475,921 in 1995 to $426,718 in 1995. The decrease from 1995 to
1996 and from 1994 to 1995 is mainly due to the foreclosure of Shriver
Square on March 30, 1995. The decrease from 1995 to 1996 is also the
result of a decrease in maintenance expense at Robidoux due to
operational efficiencies achieved at the property partially offset by
an increase in maintenance expense at Flint Goodridge due to deferred
maintenance performed in 1996 and increase in wages and salaries
expense at Flint Goodridge due to the fact that employees received
cost of living pay increases. The decreased loss from 1995 to 1996 is
also due to an overall decrease in rental operations expense at Flint
Goodridge due to a decrease in maintenance expense as a result of a
reduction in security services, partially offset by an increase in
wages and salaries expense (which was due to employees receiving cost
of living pay increases as well as higher health and property
insurance premiums).

Interest expense decreased from $625,778 in 1994
to $437,942 in 1995 to $355,222 in 1996. The decrease from 1995 to
1996 and 1994 to 1995 is due to the foreclosure of Shriver Square.
The decrease from 1995 to 1996 is also due to a decrease in interest
expense at Robidoux resulting from a non-interest bearing advance made
by the Registrant's co-general partner in order to repay the principal
balance of a loan which matured in March 1996. In addition, the
decrease from 1994 to 1995 is due to a decrease at Flint Goodridge due
to an audit adjustment made in 1994 to accrue interest on a note which
was in prior years deemed to be non-interest bearing, partially offset
by an increase at Robidoux due to the refinancing of the construction
loan which lowered the interest rate.

Depreciation and amortization decreased from
$733,184 in 1994 to $494,626 in 1995 to $426,589 in 1996. The
decrease from 1995 to 1996 and 1994 to 1995 is due to the foreclosure
on Shriver Square. The decrease from 1995 to 1996 is also due to a
decrease in depreciation expense at Flint Goodridge due to the fact
that all personal property became fully depreciated in the second
quarter of 1996 partially offset by an increase in amortization
expense at Robidoux due to the amortization of loan costs incurred in
the refinancing of the construction loan.

During the year, losses of $363,000 were incurred
at Registrant's properties compared to a loss of $711,000 in 1995 and
a loss of $627,000 in 1994. A discussion of individual property
operations/activities follows:

In 1996, Registrant sustained a loss of $174,000
at Flint-Goodridge including $206,000 of depreciation and amortization
expense compared to a loss of $155,000 including $213,000 of
depreciation and amortization expense in 1995 and a loss of $209,000
including $227,000 of depreciation and amortization expense in 1994.
Since Flint-Goodridge is a low income housing property, rents are
fixed in relation to specified income levels of its tenants. As a
result, the property experiences high occupancy but rental income
remains low. The increase in the loss from 1995 to 1996 is the result
of an increase in maintenance and wages and salaries expense partially
offset by an increase in rental income and a decrease in depreciation
expense. Maintenance expense increased due to deferred maintenance
performed in 1996 while wages and salaries expense increased due to
the fact that employees received cost of living pay increases. Rental
income increased due to an increase in the average rental rates and
depreciation decreased due to the fact that personal property became
fully depreciated in the second quarter of 1996. The decrease in the
loss from 1995 to 1994 is due to an increase in rental income and a
decrease in interest and maintenance expense partially offset by an
increase in insurance and wage expense. Rental income increased due
to higher occupancy levels during the year and interest decreased due
to an audit adjustment made in 1994 to accrue interest on a note which
was in prior years deemed to be non-interest bearing. Maintenance
expense decreased as a result of a reduction in security services, and
the increased wages expense is due to the fact that employees received
cost of living pay increases. Health and property insurance premiums
also increased during 1995.

In 1996, Registrant incurred a loss of $189,000 at
Robidoux including $175,000 of depreciation and amortization expense
compared to a loss of $211,000 including $173,000 of depreciation and
amortization expense in 1995 and a loss of $157,000 including $173,000
of depreciation and amortization expense in 1994. Since Robidoux is a
low income housing property, rents are fixed in relation to specified
income levels of its tenants. Accordingly, as with Flint Goodridge,
the property experiences high occupancy but rental income remains low.
The decrease in the loss from 1995 to 1996 is due to a decrease in
maintenance and interest expense partially offset by an increase in
amortization expense. Maintenance expense decreased due to
operational efficiencies achieved at the property while interest
expense decreased due to a non-interest bearing advance made by the
Registrant's co-general partner in order to repay the principal
balance of a loan which matured in March 1996. Amortization expense
increased due to the amortization of loan costs incurred in the
refinancing of the construction loan. The increase in the loss from
1994 to 1995 is the result of a decrease in rental income combined
with an increase in interest expense. Rental income decreased as a
result of a turnover from higher rental rate tenants to lower rental
rate tenants while interest expense increased due to the refinancing
of the construction loan.

In 1996, Registrant incurred a loss of $0 at
Shriver Square compared to a loss of $345,000 including $61,000 of
depreciation and amortization expense in 1995 and a loss of $261,000
including $246,000 of depreciation and amortization expense in 1994.
The 1995 loss without effect of the foreclosure would have been
$147,036. The increase in the loss from 1994 to 1995 results mainly
from the loss of the property on March 30, 1995 and an increase of
legal fees associated with the foreclosure of the property. Included
in operations from 1995 is an extraordinary loss of $197,715,
representing the difference between the fair market value of the
assets foreclosed and the liabilities satisfied.

In 1994, the Registrant was contacted by a local
neighborhood that was interested in developing the property owned by
Northern Liberty Development Associates ("NLDA") in a way that would
rehabilitate the existing historic structure. The Registrant entered
into negotiations with the group and in December 1994, the Registrant
donated to the neighborhood group all but a 12,247 sf vacant lot. At
the time of the donation, there was no outstanding debt on the
property. Included in operations for 1994 is an extraordinary loss of
$2,830,664 relating to the donation of the property.

Summary of Minority Interest Investments

The Registrant owns a minority interest in the
Bakery Apartments which it accounts for on the cost method. The
Registrant does not include the assets, liabilities, income or
expenses of the Bakery in the consolidated financial statements. The
following operating information is provided for the property. In
1996, the Bakery Apartments incurred a loss of $211,000 including
$236,000 of depreciation and amortization expense compared to a loss
of $180,000 including $252,000 of depreciation and amortization
expense in 1995 compared to a loss of $201,000 including $252,000 of
depreciation and amortization expense in 1994. The Registrant expects
that full occupancy and positive cash flow will continue throughout
1997.

The Registrant owns a minority interest in
Kensington Tower which it accounts for on the equity method. The
Registrant does not include the assets or liabilities of Kensington
Tower in the consolidated financial statements. The following
operating information is provided for the property. In 1996,
Registrant incurred a loss of $49,000 compared to a loss of $43,000 in
1995, and a loss of $51,000 in 1994. The Registrant expects to
achieve in 1997 results comparable to those experienced in 1996.

Effective January 1, 1995, the Partnership adopted
the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long - Lived Assets and for
Long - Lived Assets to be Disposed Of." There was no cumulative
effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 121.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Registrant is not required to furnish the supplementary
financial information referred to in Item 302 of Regulation S-K.


Independent Auditor's Report

To the Partners of
Diversified Historic Investors VII

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Diversified Historic Investors VII (a Pennsylvania Limited
Partnership) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the
related statements of operations, changes in partners' equity and cash
flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. These
consolidated statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We did not
audit the financial statements of Flint Goodridge General Partnership,
which statements reflect total assets of $3,930,967 and $4,096,553 as
of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and total revenues of
$528,792 and $514,172, respectively for the years then ended. In
addition, we did not audit the financial statements of The Bakery
Apartments General Partnership, which statements reflect total assets
of $3,943,320 and $4,137,829 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
respectively, and total revenues of $629,206 and $640,781 respectively
for the years then ended. Those statements were audited by other
auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion,
insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Flint Goodridge
General Partnership and The Bakery Apartments General Partnership, is
based solely on the reports of the other auditors.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of
other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors,
the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Diversified Historic Investors VII as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.

Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the
basic financial statements taken as a whole. The Schedule of Real
Estate and Accumulated Depreciation on page 30 is presented for the
purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the
basic financial statements. Such information has been subjected to
the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial
statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material
respects in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a
whole.


Gross, Kreger & Passio, L.L.C.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 12, 1997

Independent Auditor's Report

To the Partners of
Flint Goodridge General Partnership
New Orleans, Louisiana:

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of HUD Project No. 064-
35269-PM of the Flint Goodridge General Partnership, as of December
31, 1996 and 1995, and the related statements of income, changes in
partners' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards and Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller
General of the United States. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Flint
Goodridge General Partnership, HUD Project No. 064-35269-PM, as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations, changes
in partners' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

In accordance with Government Auditing Standards and the Consolidated
Audit Guide for Audits of HUD Programs issued by the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development, we have also issued a report dated
January 27, 1997, on our consideration of Flint Goodridge General
Partnership's internal control structure and reports dated January 27,
1997, on its compliance with specific requirements applicable to major
HUD programs and specific requirements applicable to Affirmative Fair
Housing.

Pailet, Meurier and LeBlanc, L.L.P.
Metairie, Louisiana
January 27, 1997

Independent Auditor's Report

To the Partners of
The Bakery Apartments Limited Partnership

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of The Bakery
Apartments Limited Partnership, for December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the
related statements of operations, partners' equity and cash flows for
the years ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Bakery
Apartments Limited Partnership as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and
the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then
ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Pailet, Meurier and LeBlanc, L.L.P.
Metairie, Louisiana
January 17, 1997

DIVERSIFIED HISTORIC INVESTORS VII
(a limited partnership)

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


Consolidated financial statements: Page

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995 18

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 19

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Equity for
the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 20

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 21

Notes to consolidated financial statements 22-27

Financial statement schedules:

Schedule XI - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation 29

Notes to Schedule XI 30



All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the
required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements
or notes thereto.

DIVERSIFIED HISTORIC INVESTORS VII
(a limited partnership)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 1996 and 1995

Assets

1996 1995
Rental properties at cost:
Land $ 35,469 $ 35,469
Buildings and improvements 10,520,536 10,517,258
---------- ----------
10,556,005 10,552,727
Less - accumulated depreciation (2,826,761) (2,405,790)
---------- ----------
7,729,244 8,146,937

Cash and cash equivalents 66,639 29,942
Restricted cash 94,758 87,909
Investment in affiliate 1,443,806 1,492,779
Other assets (net of accumulated
amortization of $98,531 and $92,912) 594,663 437,376
---------- ----------
Total $ 9,929,110 $10,194,943
========== ==========
Liabilities and Partners' Equity

Liabilities:
Debt obligations $ 3,605,963 $ 3,858,348
Accounts payable:
Trade 800,373 380,863
Related parties 360,346 105,369
Interest payable 40,631 53,122
Tenant security deposits 27,352 23,753
Other liabilities 31,502 0
---------- ----------
Total liabilities 4,866,167 4,421,455
---------- ----------
Minority interests 250,262 252,148
---------- ----------
Partners' equity 4,812,681 5,521,340
---------- ----------
Total $ 9,929,110 $10,194,943
========== ==========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


DIVERSIFIED HISTORIC INVESTORS VII
(a limited partnership)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994


1996 1995 1994

Revenues:
Rental income $ 713,215 $ 829,061 $1,271,400
Interest income 1,742 1,591 1,851
--------- --------- ---------
Total revenues 714,957 830,652 1,273,251
--------- --------- ---------
Costs and expenses:
Rental operations 426,718 475,921 650,715
General and administrative 168,000 168,000 168,000
Interest 355,222 437,942 625,778
Depreciation and amortization 426,589 494,626 733,184
--------- --------- ---------
Total costs and expenses 1,376,529 1,576,489 2,177,677
--------- --------- ---------
Loss before minority interests and
equity in affiliate (661,572) (745,837) (904,426)
Minority interests' portion of loss 1,886 3,444 2,581
Equity in net loss of affiliate (48,973) (42,981) (51,071)
--------- --------- ---------
Loss before extraordinary item (708,659) (785,374) (952,916)
Extraordinary loss 0 (697,082) (2,830,664)
--------- --------- ---------
Net loss ($ 708,659) ($1,482,456) ($3,783,580)
========= ========= =========
Net loss per limited partnership unit:
Loss before minority interests and
equity in affiliate ($ 36.71) ($ 41.39) ($ 50.19)
Minority interests .10 .19 .14
Equity in net loss of affiliate (2.72) (2.39) (2.83)
--------- --------- ---------
Loss before extraordinary item (39.33) (43.59) (52.88)
Extraordinary item 0 (38.68) (157.09)
--------- --------- ---------
($ 39.33) ($ 82.28) ($ 209.97)
========= ========= =========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


DIVERSIFIED HISTORIC INVESTORS VII
(a limited partnership)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994


Dover
Historic
Advisors Limited
VII (1) Partners (2) Total

Percentage participation in profit or loss 1% 99% 100%

Balance at December 31, 1993 518,379 10,268,997 10,787,376
Net loss (37,836) (3,745,744) (3,783,580)
------- ---------- ----------
Balance at December 31, 1994 480,543 6,523,253 7,003,796
Net loss (14,824) (1,467,632) (1,482,456)
------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1995 465,719 5,055,621 5,521,340
Net loss (7,087) (701,572) (708,659)
------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1996 $458,632 $4,354,049 $4,812,681
======= ========= =========


(1) General Partner.

(2) 17,839 limited partnership units outstanding at
December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


DIVERSIFIED HISTORIC INVESTORS VII
(a limited partnership)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

1996 1995 1994

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss ($708,659) ($1,482,456) ($3,783,580)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 426,589 494,626 733,184
Extraordinary loss 0 697,082 2,830,664
Equity in loss of affiliate 48,973 42,981 51,071
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in restricted cash (6,849) (9,743) (48,031)
(Increase) decrease in other assets (162,905) (2,831) 17,292
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
- trade 419,510 233,399 (4,435)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable -
related parties 254,977 (59,456) (35,946)
(Decrease) increase in interest payable (12,491) 46,618 19,385
Increase in tenant security deposits 3,599 1,952 135
Increase in other liabilities 31,502 0 0
Net cash provided by (used in) operating ------- --------- ----------
activities 294,246 (37,828) (220,261)
Cash flows from investing activities: ------- --------- ---------
Purchase of rental property and improvements (3,278) (12,270) (67,615)
------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities: (3,278) (12,270) (67,615)
Cash flows from financing activities: ------- --------- ---------
Proceeds from debt financing 0 295,142 65,926
Principal payments (252,385) (224,567) (79,190)
Minority interest (1,886) (3,444) (2,581)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing ------- --------- ---------
activities (254,271) 67,131 (15,845)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash ------- --------- ---------
equivalents 36,697 17,033 (303,721)
------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 29,942 12,909 316,630
------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 66,639 $ 29,942 $ 12,909
======= ========= =========
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid during the year for interest $379,053 $ 426,051 $ 602,291

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


DIVERSIFIED HISTORIC INVESTORS VII
(a limited partnership)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A - ORGANIZATION

Diversified Historic Investors VII (the "Partnership") was formed in December
1988 with Dover Historic Advisors VII (a general partnership whose partners
are Mr. Gerald Katzoff and Dover Historic Advisors, Inc.) as the General
Partner. Upon the admittance of additional limited partners, the initial
limited partner withdrew.

The Partnership was organized to acquire, rehabilitate, and manage
real properties containing improvements which are Certified Historic
Structures, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ("the Code"),
or which may also be (but are not required to be) eligible for low income
housing tax credits as provided by Section 42 of the Code, and such other uses
as Dover Historic Advisors VII (the "General Partner") deems appropriate,
and to engage in any and all activities related or incidental thereto.

NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in
the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows.

1. Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying financial statements of the Partnership include the
accounts of three subsidiary partnerships (the "Ventures"), in which the
Partnership has controlling interests, with appropriate elimination of
inter-partnership transactions and balances. In addition, the Partnership owns
a minority interest of 16.83% in one partnership, which it accounts for on the
cost method, and a minority interest of 30% in one partnership, which it
accounts for on the equity method. These financial statements reflect all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which, in the
opinion of the General Partner, are necessary for a fair statement of results
for those years.

2. Deferred Expenses

Loan fees have been incurred with respect to certain loans. Such fees were
deferred and are being amortized over the term of the related loans.

The Partnership prepaid all amounts due under a ground lease for one of its
properties. Such prepayments have been deferred and are being amortized over
the term of the lease (45 years).


3. Net Loss per Limited Partnership Unit

The net loss per limited partnership unit is based on the weighted average
number of limited partnership units outstanding during the period (17,839 in
1996, 1995, and 1994).

4. Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Partnership considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

5. Restricted Cash

Restricted cash includes amounts held for tenant security deposits, real estate
tax reserves and other cash restricted as to use.

6. Depreciation

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the assets. Buildings and improvements are depreciated
over 25 years and furniture and fixtures over five years.

7. Income Taxes

Federal and state income taxes are payable by the individual partners;
accordingly, no provision or liability for income taxes is reflected in the
financial statements.

8. Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recognized when rental payments are due on a straight-line basis.
Rental payments received in advance are deferred until earned.

9. Rental Properties

Rental properties are stated at cost. A provision for impairment of value is
recorded when a decline in value of property is determined to be other than
temporary as a result of one or more of the following: (1) a property is
offered for sale at a price below its current carrying value, (2) a property
has significant balloon payments due within the foreseeable future for which
the Partnership does no have the resources to meet, and anticipates it will be
unable to obtain replacement financing or debtmodification sufficient to allow
a continued hold of the property over a reasonable period of time, (3) a
property has been, and is expected to continue, generating significant operating
deficits and the Partnership is unable or unwilling to sustain such deficit
results of operations, and has been unable to, or anticipates it will be unable
to, obtain debt modification, financing or refinancing sufficient to allow
a continued hold of the property for a reasonable period of time or, (4) a
property's value has declined based on management's expectations with respect
to projected future operational cash flows and prevailing economic conditions.
An impairment loss is indicated when the undiscounted, sum of estimated future
cash flows from an asset, including estimated sales proceeds, and assuming a
reasonable period of ownership up to 5 years, is less than the carrying amount
of the asset. The impairment loss is measured as the difference between the
estimated fair value and the carrying amount of the asset. In the absence of
the above circumstances, properties and improvements are stated at cost.
An analysis is done on an annual basis at December 31.

10. New Accounting Pronouncement

Effective January 1, 1995, the Partnership adopted the provisions of Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of."
There was no cumulative effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 121.

NOTE C - PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS

The significant terms of the Agreement of Limited Partnership (the
"Agreement"), as they relate to the financial statements, follow:

All distributable cash from operations (as defined in the Agreement of Limited
Partnership) will be distributed 1% to the General Partner and 99% to the
limited partners.

All distributable cash from sales or dispositions (as defined) will be
distributed to the limited partners up to their adjusted invested capital
(as defined) plus an amount equal to the sum of the greater of an 8.5%
cumulative, noncompounded annual return on the average after-credit invested
capital (as defined), less amounts previously distributed (as defined);
thereafter, after receipt by the General Partner or its affiliates of any
accrued but unpaid real estate brokerage commissions, the balance will be
distributed 15% to the General Partner and 85% to the limited partners.

Net income or loss from operations of the Partnership is allocated 1% to the
General Partner and 99% to the limited partners.

NOTE D - ACQUISITIONS

The Partnership acquired controlling general or limited partnership interests in
Ventures and minority interests in partnerships during the period from June
1989 to March 1991, as discussed below.

In June 1989, the Partnership was admitted, with a 98% general partner interest,
to a Nebraska general partnership which owns a building located in Nebraska,
consisting of 65 apartment units and 3,550 square feet of commercial space,
for a cash capital contribution of $2,350,000. In addition, $3,000,000 of
rehabilitation costs relating to the investment have been capitalized as
part of the building and improvements. These capitalized costs have been
removed from the balance sheet. Pursuant to the June 1993 Amended and Restated
Joint Venture Agreement, the Partnership's interest was reduced to 30%.

In July 1989, the Partnership was admitted, with a 90% general partner
nterest, to a Pennsylvania general partnership which owns two buildings
located in Louisiana, consisting of 93 apartments units, for a cash capital
contribution of $2,808,000.

In September 1989, the Partnership was admitted, with a 99% general partner
interest, to a Missouri general partnership which owns a building located in
Missouri, consisting of 60 apartment units, for a cash capital contribution of
$2,400,000. In addition, $2,300,000 of rehabilitation costs relating to the
investment have been capitalized as part of the building and improvements.

In December 1989, the Partnership was admitted, with a 98% general partner
interest, to a Nebraska general partnership which owns property located in South
Dakota, consisting of 58,793 square feet of commercial space, for a cash
capital contribution of $1,350,000. In addition, $3,400,000 of acquisition
costs relating to the investment have been capitalized as part of the building
and improvements. In March 1995, the deed to the property, which was held
in escrow, was delivered to the first mortgage
holder.

In February 1990, the Partnership was admitted, with a 99% general partner
interest, to a Pennsylvania general partnership, which owned a property which
was originally intended to be rehabilitated into 250,000 square feet of
residential and commercial space located in Pennsylvania, for a cash
contribution of $2,000,000. In December 1994, the Partnership donated to a
neighborhood group all but a 12,247 sf vacant lot.

In September 1990, the Partnership purchased 19% interest of a Washington, D.C.
general partnership which owned a building located in Washington, D.C.,
consisting of 54 hotel rooms, for a cash capital contribution of $550,000.
In February 1993, a party holding a mortgage on the property, with permission
of the bankruptcy court, foreclosed on the property.

In March 1991, the Partnership purchased 16.83% interest of a Pennsylvania
general partnership which owns a building located in Louisiana, consisting of 68
units, for $300,000.

NOTE E - DEBT OBLIGATIONS

Debt obligations are as follows:
December 31,
1995 1994
------ ------
Mortgage payable, interest at 10%; payable in monthly $2,257,650 $2,280,454
installments of principal and interest of $20,819, with
maturity in June 2020; collateralized by related rental
property.

Note payable, interest at 9%; principal and interest 831,099 847,273
payments of $7,648 due monthly; with maturity at October
2005; collateralized by related rental property.

Note payable, interest at 8.75%; equal monthly installments 0 198,058
of $50,000 beginning December 15, 1995; with balance of
principal and accrued interest due March 1996.

Note payable, interest only at prime plus 1% (effective 489,539 497,108
rate of 9.25% and 9.5% at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively); payable in monthly payments of principal
of $5,300 and interest; remaining principal balance due
July 2000; collateralized by related rental property.

Note payable, interest at 1%; principal and interest
payments of $648 due monthly; remaining principal due
September 2000; collateralized by related rental property. 27,675 35,455
--------- ---------
$3,605,963 $3,858,348
========= =========
Maturities of debt obligations at December 31, 1996, are as follows:

Year Ending December 31,

1997 $ 90,888
1998 90,419
1999 89,384
2000 445,614
2001 62,844
Thereafter 2,826,815
---------
$3,605,963
=========
NOTE F - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Included in Accounts Payable - Related Party is $311,030 and $55,674 at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, owed to an affiliate of the General
Partner, by one of the Partnership's Ventures, for additional amounts advanced
for working capital needs. These advances are non-interest bearing and will
be paid out of available cash flow.

Included in Accounts Payable - Related Party is $49,316 and $49,695 at December
31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, owed to the co - general partner, by one of
the Partnership's Ventures, for additional amounts advanced for working capital
needs. These advances are non-interest bearing and will be paid out of
available cash flow.

NOTE G - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In 1994, the Registrant was contacted by a local neighborhood group that was
interested in developing the property located in the Northern Liberties section
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a way that would rehabilitate the existing
historic structure. The Registrant entered into negotiations with the group
and in December 1994, the Registrant donated to the neighborhood group all but
a 12,247 sf vacant lot. At the time of the donation, there was no outstanding
debt on the property.

On March 1, 1993, Shriver Square Joint Venture ("SSJV") filed a reorganization
petition pursuant to Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. On September 10,
1993, SSJV filed the Third Amended Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan"). The
Plan was confirmed in October 1993. Due to insufficient cash flow generated
by the property, SSJV ceased making debt service payments in January 1995.
The loan was declared in default by the lender and on March 30, 1995, the deed
to the property, which was held in escrow pursuant to the Amended Plan, was
delivered to the first mortgage holder. The Partnership recognized an
extraordinary loss of $697,082 in 1995 for the difference between the book
value of the property (which approximated fair value) and the extinguished debt.

NOTE H - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

A property owned by Robidoux Redevelopment Joint Venture ("RRJV"), a limited
partnership in which the Partnership owns a 99% interest, has historically been
unable, from its own revenues, to meet its operating expenses and required debt
service payments, the Developer/Operating General Partner has provided the
necessary funds. Through 1992, these funds were provided pursuant to legal
obligations, thereafter, the Registrant was able to prevail upon the Developer
to continue such funding on a voluntary basis. In 1996, the Developer reported
that it was no longer able nor willing to make such advances. To avoid loss
of RRJV's property, either through foreclosure or a forced sale at depressed
values, in January 1997 the Partnership has sold approximately 20% of its
interest in RRJV. Simultaneously with the sale, the Partnership Agreement was
amended to allocate Low Income Housing Tax Credits in the amount of $1,081,930
over the next nine years to the purchaser. The proceeds from the sale were
sufficient to satisfy outstanding obligations and should enable RRJV to continue
to operate in the foreseeable future.

NOTE I - INCOME TAX BASIS RECONCILIATION

Certain items enter into the determination of the results of operations in
different time period for financial reporting ("book") purposes and for income
tax ("tax") purposes. A reconciliation follows:

For the Years Ended December 31,

1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------
Net loss - book ($708,659)($1,482,456)($3,783,580)
Legal fees 0 0 (312,280)
Loss on foreclosure 0 1,865,551 349,994
Loss on donation (325,907) 0 0
Other timing differences 370 (22,453) (50,366)
Minority interest 16,651 17,795 40,559
Excess of book over tax depreciation 163,237 203,405 224,885
--------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) - tax ($ 854,308) $ 581,842 ($3,530,788)
========= ========= =========

Partners' equity - book $4,812,681 $5,521,340 $7,003,796
Distribution to limited partners 33,861 33,861 33,861
Costs of issuance 2,288,270 2,288,270 2,288,270
Basis reduction due to Investment Tax Credit (3,790,041) (3,790,041) (3,790,041)
Cumulative tax under book loss 3,432,945 3,578,594 627,138
Capital contributions (641,684) (641,684) (641,684)
--------- --------- ---------
Partner's equity - tax $6,136,032 $6,990,340 $5,521,340
========= ========= =========



SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION


DIVERSIFIED HISTORIC INVESTORS VII
(a limited partnership)

SCHEDULE XI - REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
DECEMBER 31, 1996

Initial Cost to Costs
Partnership Capitalized
(b) Subsequent
to
Acquisition

Buildings
and
Description(a) Encumbrances Land (b) Improvements Improvements
(d)

93 unit
apartments in
New Orleans, LA $2,257,650 $17,182 $4,667,050 $969,253

60 unit
apartments in
St. Joseph, MO 1,348,314 1,500 2,482,287 2,272,024

250,000 square
feet of
residential
and commercial
space in
Philadelphia, PA - 16,787 1,792,112 193,190
--------- ------ --------- ---------
$3,605,964 $35,469 $8,941,449 $3,434,467
========= ====== ========= =========

Gross Amount at which
Carried at December 31, 1996

Buildings
and Accumulated Date of Date
Description (a) Land Improvements Total Depreciation Construct Acquired
(b) (b)(c) (c)(e)
93 unit
apartments in
New Orleans, LA $17,182 $5,655,494 $5,672,676 $1,594,330 1989 7/89

60 unit
apartments in
St. Joseph, MO 1,500 4,763,339 4,764,839 1,203,953 1989 9/89

250,000 square
feet of
residential
and commercial
space in
Philadelphia,PA 16,787 101,703 118,490 28,478 (a) 2/90
------ ---------- ---------- ---------
$35,469 $10,520,536 $10,556,005 $2,826,761
====== ========== ========== =========





DIVERSIFIED HISTORIC INVESTORS VII
(a limited partnership)

NOTES TO SCHEDULE XI

DECEMBER 31, 1996

(A) All properties are certified historic structures as defined in the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or are eligible for designations as
such. The "date of construction" refers to the period in which such
properties were rehabilitated.

(B) The cost of real estate owned at December 31, 1996, for Federal income
tax purposes was approximately $8,589,192. The depreciable basis of
the building and improvements of the properties has been reduced for
Federal income tax purposes by the historic rehabilitation credit.

(C) Reconciliation of real estate:

1996 1995 1994
Balance at beginning of year $10,552,727 $16,826,909 $19,702,935
Additions during this year:
Improvements 3,278 12,270 22,284
Deductions during the year:
Retirements 0 (6,286,452) (2,898,310)
---------- ---------- ----------
Balance at end of year $10,556,005 $10,552,727 $16,826,909
========== ========== ==========
Reconciliation of accumulated depreciation:
1996 1995 1994
Balance at beginning of year $2,405,790 $3,007,245 $2,412,417
Depreciation expense for the year 420,971 422,396 716,497
Deductions during the year:
Retirements 0 (1,043,851) (121,669)
--------- --------- ---------
Balance at end of year $2,826,761 $2,405,790 $3,007,245
========= ========= =========
(D) See Note E to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

(E) See Note B to the consolidated financial statements for depreciation method
and lives.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure

None.

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of Registrant

a. Identification of Directors - Registrant has no directors.

b. Identification of Executive Officers

The General Partner of the Registrant is Dover Historic
Advisors VII (DoHA-VII), a Pennsylvania general partnership. The partners of
DoHA-VII are as follows:

Name Age Position Term of Office Period Served

Gerald Katzoff 49 Partner in DoHA-VII No fixed term December 1988-
May 1997

Dover Historic -- Partner in DoHA-VII No fixed term December 1988 -
Advisors, Inc. May 1997
("Dover Advisors")
SWDHA, Inc. -- Partner in DoHA-VII No fixed term Since May 1997

EPK, Inc. -- Partner in DoHA-VII No fixed term Since May 1997

For further description of Dover Advisors, see paragraph e.
of this Item. There is no arrangement or understanding between either person
named above and any other person pursuant to which any person was or is to be
selected as an officer.

c. Identification of Certain Significant Employees.
Registrant has no employees. Its administrative and operational functions are
carried out by a property management and partnership administration firm engaged
by the Registrant.

d. Family Relationships. There is no family relationship
between or among the executive officers and/or any person nominated or chosen
by Registrant to become an executive officer.

e. Business Experience. DoHA-VII is a general partnership
formed in 1988. The General Partner is responsible for management and control
of Registrant's affairs and will have general responsibility and authority in
conducting its operations. The General Partner may retain its affiliates to
manage certain of the Properties.

On May 13, 1997, SWDHA, Inc. replaced Gerald Katzoff and
EPK, Inc. replaced DHP, Inc. as partners of DoHA-VII. Spencer Wertheimer,
the President of SWDHA, Inc., is an attorney with extensive experience in
real estate activities ventures.

EPK, Inc. is a Delaware corporation formed for the purpose of
managing properties or interests therein. EPK, Inc. is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of D, LTD, an entity formed in 1985 to act as the holding company
for various corporations engaged in the development and management of
historically certified properties and conventional real estate as well as a
provider of financial (non-banking) services. EPK, Inc. is an affiliate of
DoHA-VII.

The officers and directors of EPK, Inc. are described below.

Donna M. Zanghi (age 40) was appointed on May 13, 1997 as
Secretary and Treasurer of EPK, Inc. Ms. Zanghi previously served as Secretary
and Treasurer of DHP, Inc. since June 14, 1993 and as a Director and
Secretary/Treasurer of D, LTD. She was associated with DHP, Inc. and its
affiliates since 1984 except for the period from December 1986 to June 1989 and
the period from November 1, 1992 to June 14, 1993.

Michele F. Rudoi (age 32) was appointed on May 13, 1997 as
Assistant Secretary and Director of EPK, Inc. Ms. Rudoi previously served as
Assistant Secretary and Director of both D, LTD and DHP, Inc. since
January 27, 1993.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

a. Cash Compensation - During 1996, Registrant paid no cash
compensation to DoHA-VII, any partner therein or any person named in paragraph
c. of Item 10.

b. Compensation Pursuant to Plans - Registrant has no
plan pursuant to which compensation was paid or distributed during 1996, or is
proposed to be paid or distributed in the future, to DoHA-VII, any partner
therein, or any person named in paragraph c. of Item 10.

c. Other Compensation - No compensation not referred to in
paragraph a. or paragraph b. of this Item was paid or distributed during 1996
to Dover Advisors, DoHA-VII, any partner therein, or any person named in
paragraph c. of Item 10.

d. Compensation of Directors - Registrant has no directors.

e. Termination of Employment and Change of Control
Arrangement - Registrant has no compensatory plan or arrangement, with respect
to any individual, which results or will result from the resignation or
retirement of any individual, or any termination of such individual's
employment with Registrant or from a change in control of Registrant or a
change in such individual's responsibilities following such a change in control.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

a. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners - No person
is known to Registrant to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of
the issued and outstanding Units.

b. Security Ownership of Management - No equity
securities of Registrant are beneficially owned by any person named in paragraph
c. of Item 10.

c. Changes in Control - Registrant does not know of any
arrangement, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a
change in control of Registrant.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

a. Pursuant to Registrant's Amended and Restated Agreement of
Limited Partnership, DoHA-VII is entitled to 10% of Registrant's distributable
cash from operations in each year. There was no such share allocable to
DoHA-VII for fiscal years 1994 through 1996.

b. Certain Business Relationships - Registrant has no directors.

c. Indebtedness of Management - No executive officer or
significant employee of Registrant, Registrant's general partner (or any
employee thereof), or any affiliate of any such person, is or has at any time
been indebted to Registrant.

PART IV

Item 14. (A) Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.

1. Financial Statements:

a. Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996
and 1995.

b. Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years
Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

c. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Equity
for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

d. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years
Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

e. Notes to consolidated financial statements.

2. Financial statement schedules:

a. Schedule XI- Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation.

b. Notes to Schedule XI.

3. Exhibits:

(a) Exhibit Document
Number
3 Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate
of Limited Partnership and Agreement of
Limited Partnership, previously filed as part
of Amendment No. 2 of Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-11, are
incorporated herein by reference.

21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant are listed in
Item 2. Properties of this Form 10-K.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

No reports were filed on Form 8-K during the
quarter ended December 31, 1996.

(c) Exhibits:

See Item 14 (A) (3) above.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirement of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

DIVERSIFIED HISTORIC INVESTORS VII

Date: October 10, 1997 By: Dover Historic Advisors, VII General Partner

By: EPK, Inc., Partner

By: /s/ Donna M. Zanghi
DONNA M. ZANGHI,
Secretary and Treasurer

By: /s/ Michele F. Rudoi
MICHELE F. RUDOI,
Assistant Secretary

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Registrant
and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature Capacity Date

DOVER HISTORIC ADVISORS VII General Partner

By: EPK, Inc., Partner

By: /s/ Donna M. Zanghi October 10, 1997
DONNA M. ZANGHI,
Secretary and Treasurer

By: /s/ Michele F. Rudoi October 10, 1997
MICHELE F. RUDOI,
Assistant Secretary