Sure, we specialize in challenging driveway and road projects. But the Kohler Road drive in Leelanau County was a whopper even for us.

Begin with the fact that the proposed driveway was to be 1,200 feet long -- with a 124 foot rise in elevation leading to the home (with a fantastic view of Grand Traverse Bay!) Next, consider that time, money, and regulations were all limited. But no problem for our dynamic duo of Eric Sanborn and Jack Morris!

Morris was the first to leap into action, coordinating the project and working with local units of government for permitting. The County was clear about the options for this unique driveway: keep the grade under 10 percent to use an aggregate surface. A grade beyond 10 percent would dictate use of a hard surface like asphalt, which would boost the cost of the overall project considerably.

After several site reviews, plans, and drawings, Morris arrived at an ideal solution -- a constant 9.95 grade from bottom to top, leaving the customer's budget in place and meeting the County's requirements.

Then Sanborn supervised the dirt work on-site, where Team Elmer's crews balanced 8500 cubic yards of land, placed 700 tons of 21AA crushed concrete gravel, and ultimately 12,000 square yards of mulch blanket.

In the end, Leelanau County Drain Commissioner Steve Christensen, responsible for soil and erosion control compliance during construction, called the project "a showpiece," and the customer gave us high grades.

Date Completed: September 2011
Self-Performed: 100%