Emergency HOA Retaining Wall Rebuild and Walking Path Restoration: Full Burr Oak Louder
Project Overview
A major retaining wall failure caused a severe washout that reached the community walking path—right next to a playground. This HOA needed an emergency response, a permanent structural fix, and a clean restoration of everything behind the wall (path, fencing, and drainage).
Project Scope
Mobilized for an emergency washout adjacent to a playground and walking path
Cleared trees/debris and removed the failed wall and unstable material
Built a larger, engineered retaining wall with new footers for long-term stability
Installed full behind-the-wall drainage and backfill systems (engineered layers and reinforcement)
Restored the walking path area and coordinated final stabilization and cleanup
Challenges & Solutions
01
Challenge
The original wall failed due to improper backfill and drainage, allowing water to build up behind the wall.
Solution
The new wall was built as a true structural system—footers, buried courses, engineered backfill, geogrid reinforcement, and drainage components designed to prevent future failure.
02
Challenge
This was a public safety issue with emergency approvals required before work could begin.
Solution
Once emergency permits and approved plans were in hand, we coordinated with the HOA and project manager and moved from site walk → proposal → mobilization in roughly 72 hours.
03
Challenge
Compaction documentation temporarily halted production (geotech wouldn’t sign off due to moisture readings).
Solution
We paused work, pulled the crew to keep operations efficient, and worked through the engineering/testing requirements to ensure the project stayed compliant—no shortcuts, no guessing.
The McKenzie Contracting Difference
Emergency response with structure: fast mobilization, clear scope, and decisive coordination
Built to last: engineered retaining walls with the excavation, reinforcement, and drainage most contractors don’t plan for
Inspection-ready process: compaction lifts, trench roller placement, geotech testing, and county coordination baked into the build
If you’re dealing with a failing retaining wall, washout, or erosion issue, especially in a high-liability area like a path, pool, or playground, schedule a consultation and we’ll walk the site, review options, and help you get a permanent fix in place.
