Local builder helps make dreams come true

By Rosanne Lewis

For Ford Stainback, building is in his blood.

A luxury home builder, Stainback is following the tradition of his grandfather and father, both Dallas real estate developers and builders.

With his first playhouse for Dallas CASA’s Parade of Playhouses and named for his four-year-old son Cal, Stainback may just be continuing the family passion for building into a fourth generation.

“Cal loves the playhouse so much that he may think it’s his,” Stainback, owner of Stainback Construction, said with a laugh.

Dallas CASA’s 29th annual Parade of Playhouses features 13 custom-designed and built children’s playhouses on display at NorthPark Center. The event benefits Dallas CASA, a nonprofit agency that serves children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are living in foster care.

Built to the same standard as his $2.5 to $5 million luxury new homes in Lakewood and University Park, “Cal’s Casa” features nine-inch plank hardwoods, full electrical, wallpaper, Visual Comfort recessed lighting and Pella windows.

“We wanted a mini luxury house,” he said. 

“We really went the extra mile, but that’s what we do every day in our business. We tailored this house to the same market our new builds are tailored to.”

The house even has a custom white oak double Dutch door with its own key. Stainback credits his wife Jessy’s eye for detail on the small things, like a mailbox and front porch lights.

“Jessy helps in all my builds because she just had a good eye and is a big part of everything we do,” he said. “Though she did tell me the next playhouse we build goes in our backyard.”

Stainback and his wife are parents to Cal and Haley, 2, with a third child on the way. Stainback grew up in Lakewood and then University Park, graduating from Highland Park High School in 2011 before playing baseball for Rice University.

It was his personal home remodel in Lakewood with his wife, Jessy, that stirred up a latent interest in building 10 years ago. Since then, he’s grown his own remodel into more remodels and then into new builds. He started his company four years ago and estimates he’s built more than 50 homes, with five new houses ongoing right now.

“I always loved building,” he said. “My favorite part has always been envisioning something and then making it come to life.”

His business and Parade of Playhouses are a perfect match, and he said he’s grateful for the opportunity to donate a playhouse.

“We’re grateful to get to be a part of this wonderful event doing something we love,” he said. “We couldn’t wait to see all the houses.”

Parade of Playhouses continues through June 30 at NorthPark Center.

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