Earthwork/Sitework Archives - Excellence in Construction Awards

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County — Pleasant Hills

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

Story

Topland Construction successfully completed the full-site development at 444 Pleasant Street. Operating within a constrained urban environment, the team managed all earthwork, utility installation, stormwater management, and paving. The project demanded precise coordination of complex underground systems alongside strict quality control. By utilizing high-quality materials and expert execution, Topland Construction delivered a durable, code-compliant site designed to support long-term residential use and provide lasting value to the community.

Facts

Submitter: Topland Construction LLC

Architect: Progressive Companies

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Date contract completed: October 2025

Final contract value: $485,000

Project manager’s name: Nate Smith

Superintendent’s name(s): Caleb Glashower

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 100%

White Creek Flats — Retaining Wall

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

The construction of the EIC White Creek Flats — Retaining Wall

Story

Topland Construction furnished, placed, and installed approximately 4,500 SF of modular block retaining walls across five structures for this multifamily residential project. Our team handled all excavation, aggregate, spoils removal, block installation, drainage, and backfill. Challenging conditions—including a high water table, heavy clay soils, and nearby wetlands—required careful planning and execution throughout the project.

Facts

Submitter: Topland Construction LLC

Architect: Excel Engineering

Location: Cedar Springs, MI

Date contract completed: December 2025

Final contract value: $455,000

Project manager’s name: Caleb Bleyenburg

Superintendent’s name(s): Caleb Glashower, Luke Wheeler

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 100%

Grand Valley State University — Parking Lot G

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

Story

Rowland Excavating successfully completed its second parking lot expansion at Grand Valley State University. The comprehensive project scope included all required earthwork, necessary materials, and stormwater management installation. These essential infrastructure improvements support proper drainage, enhance site functionality, and ensure long-term durability for the university campus.

Facts

Submitter: Rowland Excavating

Architect: Fishbeck

Location: Allendale, MI

Date contract completed: August 2025

Final contract value: $520,000

Project manager’s name: Cam Lotter

Superintendent’s name(s): Kurt Rowland

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 100%

Fremont Street

eicawardsdev on April 23, 2026

Story

Dan’s Excavating reconstructed Fremont Street by replacing the aging sanitary sewer, water services, and storm drainage while rebuilding the roadway from the ground up. The scope of work included removals, new utilities, aggregate base, asphalt paving, curb and gutter, sidewalks, and restoration. These comprehensive upgrades successfully improved infrastructure reliability, drainage, and long-term roadway performance for the community.

Facts

Submitter: Dan’s Excavating Service, Inc.

Location: Rockford, MI

Date contract completed: September 2025

Final contract value: $454,000

Project manager’s name: Spencer Tellkamp

Superintendent’s name(s): Griffin Reed

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 90%

WINNER: Allendale Water Treatment Plant — Retaining Wall

eicawardsdev on June 13, 2025

A new retaining wall is being constructed.

Story

Topland Construction completed the successful installation of three modular block retaining walls for the 2024 City of Allendale Water Treatment Plant improvements.

Facts

Submitter: Topland Construction LLC

Size: 4,750 SF

Location: Allendale, MI

Date contract completed: September 2024

Final contract value: $350,000

Project manager’s name: Nate Smith

Superintendent’s name(s): Caleb Glashower

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 100%

West Michigan Construction Institute

eicawardsdev on June 13, 2025

The foundation of the West Michigan Construction Institute

The outside of the West Michigan Construction Institute under construction

Story

This project’s scope included concrete removal, foundation excavation, sand backfill, drain tile installation, concrete floor prep, and parking lot grading. Despite the challenges, working with other contractors on WMCI was enjoyable, and the finished product provided a high-quality result for the school.

Facts

Submitter: Dan’s Excavating Service, Inc.

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Date contract completed: August 2024

Final contract value: $52,000

Project manager’s name: Gideon Vanderwall

Superintendent’s name(s): Spencer Tellkamp

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? 100%

WINNER: Legacy Park – Retaining Wall

eicawardsdev on June 26, 2024

Story

The Legacy Park wall project was a dynamic and complex installation. The location of the project required the team to work in very tight conditions between Fulton St. and existing wetlands, making it challenging to move block material and remove excavated spoils from the site. In total, the team installed 5,200 SF of precast block over 850 LF. The total material weight of this wall system exceeded one million pounds. The team had to navigate several existing underground utilities, and challenging trench conditions required shoring to avoid cave-ins. This project was completed over the course of 10 weeks from permitting to final block placement.

Facts

Submitter: Topland Construction

Architect: Moore+Bruggink

Size: 5,000 SF

Title: Legacy Park – Retaining Wall

Location: Ada, MI

Date contract completed: November 2023

Final contract value: $315,000

Project manager’s name: Nate Smith

Superintendent’s name(s): Caleb Glashower

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company? : 100%

Lake County ORV – Youth Training Facility

eicawardsdev on June 26, 2024

Story

Project included a commercial septic system, asphalt prep, small bathroom remodel & Hydroseed that was all self performed. Subcontractors handled concrete, asphalt & fencing. There were a few issues with some materials quality that presented a challenge to overcome with subcontractors, engineers & the county/township.

Facts

Submitter: Dan’s Excavating Service, Inc

Architect: Prein&Newhof

Size: 5 Acres

Title: Lake County ORV – Youth Training Facility

Location: Baldwin, MI

Date contract completed: January 2024

Final contract value: $700,000

Project manager’s name: Spencer Tellkamp

Superintendent’s name(s): Griffin Reed

What percentage of the work scope was self-performed by your company?: 60%