Harvard grad builds 20,000-square-foot home to keep family together — even hosting 300-person weddings
When Reggie Van Lee's great-grandmother, a Black woman, bought a plot of land near Houston in 1899, she likely couldn't have imagined the home that would sit on it.
In 2012, Lee, a Harvard graduate, former Alvin Ailey dancer and current Houston Consulting Executive, built a massive 20,000-square-foot house on the plot of land with a great room, beauty salon, chapel and even a helicopter pad.
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But the home isn't just for him — today. He lives there with his three sisters and even some of their spouses. Lee thinks togetherness is important, especially during a time when so much is uncertain.
"I built this house not just for my immediate family, but for my extended family, including friends," Lee explained to Fox 26 News reporter Damali Keith.
Can several generations and members of the family live together in harmony?
How do they all get along?
Lee said the house is large enough to have space for everyone to spread out and get together when they want. The master suite, for example, is on a separate side of the house.
"The house is large enough, so when you really want to be by yourself, you can. When you want to be with others, you can as well,” Lee said. “Having dinners together, family dinners together. It's just amazing."
The home is large, but Lee added that they all use the space. Last year, they hosted a 300-person wedding for his now 77-year-old sister, who was getting remarried. They also hosted a party to commemorate the 125th anniversary of his great-grandmother purchasing the land.
But what happens to the family home when Lee is gone? He hopes it will stay in the family and has made provisions in his will to keep it as a family home or donate the home and the property.
"I want very much for this land and this house to stay in the family. In my will, it says if no family member lives in the house, the house actually goes to the Texas Historical Society. It's not going to be a situation where Uncle Reggie dies, they sell everything, and split the money,” Lee said. “Especially in these times where there are so many forces of evil against us as people and against people coming together in love as opposed to being divisive, I think families should be the ones to send that message of togetherness."
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Should more Americans live with extended families?
According to 2022 U.S. Census, approximately 4.8 million households in the country are multigenerational, meaning they include at least three generations living together. While data on extended family households — those with aunts, uncles or cousins — is harder to track in the U.S. But it's certainly commonplace in other parts of the world.
A Pew Research study reported that extended family households are the most common type of households worldwide, with 38% of people living with extended family. Nearly half of people in the Asia-Pacific area live with extended family, while only 11% of North Americans do.
But should multigenerational and extended family living be more common in the U.S.? Beyond emotional benefits, this arrangement offers practical and financial advantages.
Rising home prices make it a smart financial move
Housing costs in the US. are skyrocketing. According to Zillow, the average home price is now over $355,000 — an increase of 2.7% from last year. Living with extended family can help households share expenses and reduce financial stress. Additionally, purchasing a home rather than Purchasing a home, rather than renting, can also help families build generational wealth.
More child and elder care options
Childcare is one of the biggest expenses for American families. According to ChildCare Aware, a nonprofit supporting the U.S. childcare system, the average annual cost of childcare in 2023 was $11,582. For families with multiple children, this expense can exceed the annual earnings of one parent.
Elder care is similarly costly. A home health aide averages $6,292 per month, making in-home care financially challenging for many families. Living with extended family provides an alternative to expensive childcare or elder care while fostering a stronger family support system.
Improved financial security
Pooling resources in a multigenerational household can provide a financial cushion. With multiple incomes contributing to household expenses, families may be able to pay off debt, save more or invest more in long-term financial goals. This setup also offers stability during financial hardships, such as job losses or unexpected home repairs.
As more families face financial uncertainty and work-life balance challenges, multigenerational living may grow in popularity. For people like Lee, it’s not just a practical choice — it’s about preserving family bonds and creating a lasting legacy.
"At the end of the day, all we really have is family,” Lee said. “Too many people — Black people in particular — have given up family land."
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
