The Real Estate Associates (TREA) Houses
historic place
The Real Estate Associates, known as TREA, was founded in San Francisco in 1866 by William Hollis. This company was among the first to mass-produce detached housing for families across different income levels. During the 1870s, TREA constructed over one thousand Italianate-style houses. These homes were based on designs from pattern books. A typical TREA house could be built in about sixty days. Prices for these homes varied, with more affordable options ranging from $2,500 to $4,000, and more expensive ones costing $6,000 or more. Buyers typically made a down payment of twenty to fifty percent and had up to twelve years to repay the loan at an interest rate between eight and ten percent. TREA houses are found in various San Francisco neighborhoods, including the Mission District, Western Addition, and Pacific Heights. The company dissolved in 1881. The Real Estate Associates Houses represent an early approach to large-scale residential development in San Francisco.