⭐ The Challenge:
Reclaiming a Steep Lakefront Slope
‍
On Van Petten Dr along the shores of Silver Lake, this residential property was facing a critical infrastructure failure. The original masonry retaining walls and concrete steps had succumbed to Northern Michigan's harsh freeze-thaw cycles and the unrelenting pressure of a steep hillside. The result was a dangerous, crumbling staircase and a shoreline losing ground to erosion. The homeowner needed a professional solution that balanced structural engineering with the high-end aesthetics required for a Traverse City waterfront estate.

👉 The Solution:
Engineering Stability with Style
‍Our crew executed a comprehensive "Finish to Start" transformation, beginning with a complete teardown of the failed structures. Using a Volvo mini excavator, we cleared the site and excavated deep footings for a new tiered Versa-Lok retaining wall system.To ensure this wall wouldn't meet the same fate as the last, we prioritized sub-surface drainage and soil compaction. We installed a perforated drainage network and backfilled with clean stone to manage hydrostatic pressure. Using a John Deere mini excavator and a Toro mini skid loader, we meticulously graded the hillside to integrate a matching stone staircase, providing safe, wide-tread access from the home to the water.

👉 The Result:
A Multi-Tiered Waterfront Destination
‍The final phase transformed the shoreline itself. We installed a heavy-duty boulder seawall to defend against wave action, topped with a freshly leveled beach area. The finished project features:

✅ Tiered Versa-Lok Walls:
Providing superior hillside stabilization and modern curb appeal.

✅ Integrated Staircase:
Precision-leveled for a clean, professional finish.

✅ Shoreline Protection:
A natural boulder barrier that protects the Silver Lake watershed.Increased

✅ Property Value:
Turning a liability into a high-functioning recreational space.

⭐ The Challenge: A Fading Shoreline on M-137

Just down the road from the Interlochen Arts Academy on M-137, this Green Lake property faced a common Northern Michigan struggle: an eroding shoreline bank that offered plenty of scenic views but zero usable space. The owner wanted to transform this steep, overgrown slope into a functional waterfront retreat—complete with a sandy beach, professional stone patios, and secure hillside access.

👉 The Solution: Engineering with Precision and Protection
Our transformation of this Interlochen lot required a blend of excavation and delicate environmental stewardship.

✅ Shoreline Protection:
We began by installing a heavy-duty silt fence to protect Green Lake's water quality before using a Bobcat mini excavator and skid steer to remove the unstable bank and prepare the site.

✅ Tiered Stabilization:
We constructed a three-tier boulder retaining wall system. To ensure every stone was set for the long haul, our crew utilized a Spectra laser level to manage the complex grades and drainage of the hillside.

✅ Stone Artistry:
For the main patio space, we selected Rosetta Flagstone for its hand-chiseled look and superior durability. Every precision cut was handled by our STIHL Cutquik TS 800, ensuring tight joints for the perfectly circular patio finish.

✅ Hillside Access:
‍We integrated multiple flights of natural stone outcropping steps, wrapping them around existing structures to create a seamless, safe path from the residence down to the water's edge.

👉 The Result: A Symphony of Stone and Sand
The final result is a multi-functional outdoor living space that serves as the perfect backdrop for life on Green Lake.

✅ Sandy Beach Retreat:
A fully stabilized, expansive sand beach perfect for lakeside relaxation and easy dock access.

✅ Circular Rosetta Patio:
A perfect circular patio that provides a durable, elegant space for entertaining and fire pits.

✅ Secure Tiered Walls:
Dramatic boulder walls that stop erosion in its tracks while providing natural, rugged texture to the landscape.

✅ Seamless Access:
A sophisticated staircase system that turns a difficult climb into a comfortable stroll through a freshly mulched hillside.