11/14/2025
MASSIVE project COMPLETE... in the nick of time!!!
(Before, during, after pictures)
For the past 4 years, Golden Touch Specialties has proudly cared for the grounds of an apartment complex in SE Minot, Willow Hollow Apartments (one of these apartments was my former home and I launched GTS out of the single stall garage that came with it.)
Late fall of 2025, the owners and management undercame some significant adversity from multiple directions. Their insurance suddenly required outposts on some balconies to maintain coverage, and an existing structure-supporting retaining wall collapsed- forcing 145 feet of the wall be reconstructed. These two events happened back to back.
Contractor availability's low, estimates high, clock's ticking.
What would you do?
Call Golden Touch.
With one phone call we were out of "winding down for the season" and straight into a hyperactive, overdrive level of "ramping up to make miracles happen".
With the help of willing friends who cared, an outstanding partnership with The Landscape Company LLC; and a whole lot of sacrifice on the part of the owner's young family; we made miracles happen, in the least amount of time, with the least amount of liability, at the best price, with the best quality.
Not only did we reconstruct the wall, we hauled in 3 semiloads of new clay for backfill, installed draintile with 3 spilldrains exiting front of wall, installed fibamesh geogrid 3 TIMES manufacturer's recommendation... and perfectly tied in wall block & caps with the rest of the existing wall. We also added boulder art to shorten the wall to make room for damaged, discontinued material but also still accomplish the goal with a cool looking twist.
On TOP OF all that, we also relocated the irrigation system from the wall's edge to the street curb to eliminate/reduce standing moisture next to the wall. Hydroseeded all work area and it will germinate and flourish perfectly come spring.
And NOT ONLY did we add posts to the balconies on the west side of this building, but we took EXTREME attention to detail. We poured concrete piers 48" deep with reinforcement, mounting brackets, joint paper in between pier and walkway for separation. sanded all slivers/imperfections off each outpost, tightened all existing fascia or decking board where needed and added support as needed under the decks, installed ALL NEW Regal railing systems to match the rest of the buildings and bring the height of the guardrails up to code.
All in all, how do I feel? As the owner? I feel blessed.
To have the customer. The opportunity.
To have the team I have behind me and at my sides.
To have a family that has been supportive of late nights and absence for a nearly unattainable goal.
To have the health.
To have the weather.
To have the intellect.
To have the business that lent a helping hand, accomplished more than another would, and made a profit in the process.
To have the involvement in my former home, a special place for me.
To have the ability to admire the integrity and aesthetics of these projects for years to come as we continue to clear snow and mow the properties for years to come.
Since 2021, Golden Touch has had two jobs in this community and surrounding areas: to increase visual appeal and value, and to decrease liability and imperfection. This project was unique as we got to do all those things at once, at a place close to our hearts.
I never really knew if this business thing could work. If I could do it. If it would be worth it over a job.
I'm starting to see how it might just work. 😎
I present to you. Our biggest job since establishment.......
But only till next year 😋
