Van Trease Construction
1965: Frank & Stuzi Van Trease, pictured right, and Garry and Sherra Van Trease, pictured left, discuss the family business in the living room of their latest model home.
The Van Trease name has long been associated with luxury and uniqueness in homebuilding, starting all the way back in 1945, when Frank Van Trease built some of the finest homes in Deer Park, Texas.
A hands-on craftsman and community pillar, he wasn’t just known for the quality of his work, he helped define what “high-end” meant for the growing town. He framed homes himself, built cabinetry by hand, and even handled the plumbing and wiring.
He also served on the town council, while Corey’s grandmother served as postmaster—making the Van Trease family a cornerstone of both craftsmanship and community. That foundation set in motion what has become an 80-year legacy.
Now led by third-generation builder and developer Corey Van Trease, with a fourth generation already involved, Van Trease Construction continues to elevate what’s possible in luxury home design and construction across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Finding inspiration from their Dutch heritage
Corey didn’t always see himself following in the family’s footsteps. Like many who grow up in a family business, he initially charted his own course. Then, his father Garry, swamped with work, asked for help.
“We agreed I’d try it out for six months,” Corey recalled. “There’s this osmosis that happens when you grow up in a family business. You don’t even realize it’s happening, but you’re learning every day just by being around it. I took to it like a duck on water, so I thought, maybe I do have sawdust in my blood.”
Van Trease Construction
1965: An advertisement for the model home where the Van Trease family photo was taken.
Today, Corey leads the company with the same values his grandfather and father instilled, all of which are rooted in the family’s Dutch heritage. And now, with Corey’s daughter working in the company, a full four generations have been involved.
“The Dutch are known for their almost OCD-like nature in attention to detail,” Corey explained. “They’re known for being extremely hard-headed and uncompromising when it comes to quality, and we bring that to every build.”
Keeping the Van Trease name at the forefront of luxury
Van Trease Construction
Frank, Garry and Corey Van Trease mark three generations of building excellence.
Just as his grandfather once built the nicest homes in Deer Park, Corey is now building some of the most high-end residences and estates in North Texas. His portfolio includes marquee estates in Southlake, Colleyville, Westlake, Flower Mound, Argyle, and around Lake Grapevine—some of the most coveted communities in the region.
Van Trease Construction now works on many estate projects, each a one-of-a-kind expression of luxury and craftsmanship tailored to clients seeking the exceptional.
“With our clientele, it’s really like a temporary marriage,” Corey joked. “We like to refer to it as Estate Planning—not in the traditional sense—but in the sense that these projects can be 24- to 36-month builds sometimes. This isn’t about mass production, it takes a different type of attention to quality and detail as opposed to some builders that are able to slap homes up in six months or even a year.”
In addition to large estate homes, Van Trease builds high-end Villa Homes and has expanded into luxury Condos in Lakeside Village—smaller, lock-and-leave residences ideal for empty nesters or frequent travelers who want luxury finishes without the upkeep.
Van Trease homes are known not only for their quality, but for their creativity.
“We strive for unpredictability,” Corey explained. “When a client turns a corner and sees something completely unexpected, like an aquarium built into a bar or a Ferrari on a turntable in the game room, and says, ‘I’ve never seen that before,’ that’s when we know we got it right.”
These signature elements have made Van Trease a go-to for clients seeking something beyond the ordinary—custom designs that blend timeless craftsmanship with modern luxury.
Now celebrating its 80th year, Van Trease Construction is one of the rare family businesses that has not just endured—it has evolved. Corey doesn’t just carry the family name; he carries the legacy. And that’s something his father and grandfather would be proud of.
“If my grandfather could see what we’re doing today, he wouldn’t believe it,” Corey shared.
Explore Van Trease Construction’s portfolio of luxury homes and custom designs at vantreasedesigns.com.
