Max Rieke & Brothers, Inc. (maxrieke.com) is a family-owned excavating and grading contractor based in Shawnee, Kansas (Kansas City metro area).

Company Overview

• Founded: 1951, in response to the "Big Kansas Flood." Started by brothers Max, George, and John Rieke as a part-time venture alongside truck farming. It evolved from small-scale basement digging, pond building, and basic earthwork into a full-service heavy construction firm.
• Location: Physical address at 15400 Midland Drive, Shawnee, KS 66217; mailing P.O. Box in Shawnee. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am–5pm.
• Leadership: Third-generation family business. Currently run by Leon Rieke (Max's son), Steve Rieke (George's son), and Derrick Rieke (Leon's son, VP/COO).
• Size: 40–100+ employees (seasonal); fleet of 300+ pieces of equipment. Estimated annual revenue around $10–11M.
• Services: Excavating, grading, site development, site utilities (storm/sanitary sewers), underground utilities, pre-cast and rock retaining walls, heavy highway construction, commercial/residential projects, structural excavation, earth material hauling, and pond/lake excavation. They serve government entities, private developers, residential builders, commercial clients, and homeowners across Kansas and Missouri.

The company's website is straightforward and functional but quite basic—mostly contact forms, history, safety policy, customer info, and vendor/employment sections. It emphasizes reliability, experience (70+ years), and safety.

Pros / Good Aspects

• Longevity and stability: Decades of continuous operation as a family business, with a track record of growth and adaptation to larger projects. Strong local presence in the KC area.
• Broad capabilities: Comprehensive earthwork and site prep services, from residential to heavy highway/government work. Large equipment fleet supports scaling.
• Reputation indicators: High BuildZoom score (97, top percentile for Kansas contractors). Positive employee feedback on Indeed (e.g., "relaxed small office family construction company" with long tenure). Emphasis on safety programs and compliance.
• Community ties: Involved in local projects; appears professional and approachable for bids/quotes.

Cons / Potential Drawbacks

• Limited online presence: The website is minimalistic with little project portfolio, case studies, photos, or modern marketing. This could make it harder to evaluate past work quickly.
• Mixed historical legal notes: There are old court cases (e.g., 1990s–2000s contract disputes/arbitration), which is common for construction firms of this size but worth noting for due diligence.
• Not BBB accredited: Though it has an A+ rating profile (no major complaints highlighted in available data).
• Seasonal/operational factors: Employee count and workload fluctuate; construction businesses can face weather delays, labor shortages, or supply issues common to the industry. One older news mention of neighborhood concerns over prolonged excavation work nearby.

Overall, Max Rieke & Brothers looks like a solid, established regional player for grading/excavation needs in the Kansas City area—especially suitable for developers or larger site projects. They have the experience and scale that would appeal in your real estate/development work (e.g., the Eveningside or similar parcels). For current bids or specifics, I'd recommend contacting them directly at (913) 631-7111 or bid@maxrieke.com, as public info is somewhat limited. No major red flags stand out from available sources. 

We should not have to plant grass

 

Topeka / Shawnee County, KS Native Plant Recommendations for Xeriscaping (Low-Maintenance ROW/Parkway Use)

Topeka does not appear to maintain an official city-mandated "native plant list" specifically for right-of-way (ROW) or parkway areas. However, strong regional guidance exists for Northeast Kansas (including Shawnee County/Topeka) from sources like the Kansas Native Plant Society (KNPS), Kansas State University Extension, PlantNativeKS, Topeka Zoo native plant sales, and Dyck Arboretum. These emphasize drought-tolerant, low-water natives ideal for xeriscaping — perfect for your zero/low-maintenance goals in the 37th & Gage parkway (once approved).

Why Natives for Xeriscaping Here?

• Adapted to Topeka’s climate (hot/dry summers, variable rainfall, clay/prairie soils).
• Once established: Near-zero irrigation, minimal mowing/weeding/fertilizer.
• Excellent for erosion control on slopes (relevant to your site).
• Support pollinators/wildlife; meet TMC vegetation height rules (under 12 inches for weeds, cultivated plants allowed).
• Often permitted with a Public Works landscaping plan showing drainage, sight lines, and no obstructions.

Recommended Native Plants for Topeka Xeriscaping

Focus on sun-loving, drought-tolerant species suitable for open parkway conditions (full sun, well-drained after grading). Group by type for easy planning:

Grasses (Great for ground cover, erosion control, low mow)

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) — Blue-green foliage, red fall color.
• Side-oats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) — KNPS 2026 Plant of the Year; very drought-tolerant.
• Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis)
• Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) — Fine texture, low maintenance.
• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) — Taller option for screening.

Perennials / Forbs (Flowering, pollinator-friendly)

• Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) — Orange blooms, monarch host.
• Pale Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida) or Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Blue Sage (Salvia azurea)
• Prairie Coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata)
• Blazing Star / Gayfeather (Liatris species, e.g., pycnostachya, aspera)
• Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Bee Balm (Monarda species)

Other Options

• Sedges (e.g., Carex species) for transitional areas.
• Native shrubs like Indigobush (Amorpha fruticosa) if space allows (check height/sight lines).

Topeka Zoo 2026 Native Plant Sale List (recent example of locally available stock) includes many of the above: Butterfly Milkweed, Black-eyed Susan, various Coneflowers, Blazing Stars, Little Bluestem, Indiangrass, Switchgrass, etc. Great source for proven local ecotypes.

Resources for Full Lists & Plans

• Planting Natives in Northeast Kansas (plantnativeks.weebly.com): Downloadable guides and plant lists tailored to NE KS.
• Kansas Native Plant Society (kansasnativeplantsociety.org): Gardening tips, sun-loving lists, and ecoregion guidance.
• Kansas Native Plants (kansasnativeplants.com): Detailed ID guide with 850+ species, prairie garden examples.
• K-State Extension / Shawnee County: Demonstration gardens at Cedar Crest (Topeka) and recommended plant resources.
• Dyck Arboretum (Hesston): Native plant database and landscaping ideas.

Tips for Your 37th & Gage Parkway Application

• Combine grasses + forbs in a matrix planting for low-maintenance coverage.
• Use rock/gravel mulch or stabilized aggregate as base (permeable, zero-mow).
• Emphasize in your Driggs plan: drought tolerance, erosion control on slope, compliance with TMC 8.60.150 (height/weed rules only — no grass mandate).
• Source local ecotype plants to maximize survival and gain City favor.

 

Topeka, Kansas Parkway (ROW) Maintenance Rules Summary (Relevant to 37th & Gage Project)

Key Definitions & Responsibilities

• Parkway / Street Parking: The area in the public right-of-way (ROW) typically between the back of the curb and the property line (or sidewalk, where present). The land is generally owned by the abutting property owner, but the City holds an easement for public use, utilities, drainage, and infrastructure.
• Owner Responsibilities: As the abutting property owner, you are primarily responsible for maintaining the surface/landscaping in the parkway in front of your property. This includes keeping it free of hazards, debris, and excessive vegetation. The City typically maintains the curb, roadway, and (often) sidewalks.

Vegetation & Weeds (Primary Maintenance Rule)

From TMC 8.60.150 (Section 302 – Exterior Property Areas), which adopts and amends the International Property Maintenance Code:

• All property (including the parkway/ROW abutting your lot) must be maintained free from vegetation in excess of 12 inches in height.
• Noxious weeds (per Kansas Dept. of Agriculture) are prohibited.
• "Vegetation" includes weeds, grass, woody vines, volunteer saplings, shrubs, brush, and uncultivated plants — but excludes cultivated trees, shrubs, vines, and gardens.
• Enforcement: City can issue notices, abate (mow/remove), and bill you for costs + penalties. Failure to comply can lead to prosecution.

This is the main rule driving the City's preference for Tall Turf Fescue (easy to mow uniformly).

Landscaping & Improvements (TMC Title 12)

• TMC 12.50 Street Parking: Covers occupancy and maintenance of the parkway area. Owners must keep it in good condition; specific rules on cutbacks, repairs, and cleaning.
• TMC 12.35 Sidewalk Construction & Maintenance:
  • Private walks/structures in street parkings require City Engineer approval.
  • Abutting owners handle cleaning and general maintenance to prevent hazards or obstructions.
• Any non-standard improvements (pavers, hardscape, xeriscaping, rock mulch, etc.) generally require a Public Works ROW permit and review by Public Works + Planning. They must not interfere with utilities, drainage, sight lines, safety, or future City work.

Practical Implications for Zero/Low-Maintenance Options

• Standard Expectation: Turf grass (e.g., Tall Fescue) + mulch/fertilizer for uniformity and ease of maintenance.
• Alternatives Allowed? Yes, with approval. The City (per recent email from Joe Harrington) is open to reviewing detailed landscaping plans for improvements that enhance functionality and aesthetics, as long as they comply with codes for drainage, permeability, safety, etc.
• Risks of Unapproved Work: City could require removal/restoration at your expense, especially during utility or street projects.

Recommendations:

• Submit a formal landscaping plan (incorporating RFP concepts) to Public Works for pre-approval.
• Include details on materials, drainage, utility coordination (Kansas One Call), and compliance.
• Reference the positive tone from the email thread — they are willing to collaborate.

Sources: Topeka Municipal Code (Titles 8 & 12), City Public Works guidance, and recent thread context.

Would you like me to pull specific code excerpts into a document, draft a landscaping plan outline, or prepare a reply to the City referencing these rules?

the blog is an account and record - savvy

Email Thread Summary: Gage @ 37th ROW Landscaping (June 9–10, 2026)

Overview

This is an ongoing email exchange between Henry McClure (MCRE, LLC) and Joseph A. Harrington (City of Topeka), with CCs to City Clerk, Mark Schreiner, Public Works, and others. The topic is improvements to the public right-of-way (ROW) parkway area at SW 37th Street & Gage Boulevard — specifically, finishing the area from the back of the curb/sidewalk to the property line with zero or low-maintenance treatments instead of standard turf.

Chronological Summary

• June 9, 2026 (Henry to Joe): Henry sent a detailed Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking landscaping/hardscaping contractors for zero/low-maintenance ROW improvements (permeable pavers, stabilized granite, rock mulch, xeriscaping, etc.). The RFP emphasizes compliance with Topeka Municipal Code, Public Works permits, drainage, safety, and erosion control.
• June 10, 9:12 AM (Joe to Henry): City prefers Tall Turf Fescue, fertilizer, and mulch only in the area between sidewalk and property line. No other options mentioned initially.
• June 10, 9:14 AM (Henry to Joe): Suggested a meeting to discuss.
• June 10, 9:15 AM (Joe): Replied “Okay.”
• June 10, ~12:39 PM (Henry): Updated on site progress (Fit Construction did good work) and requested help mitigating damages, including working around guy wires.
• June 10, 2:10 PM (Joe): “Sounds good. We will discuss this and get back to you.”
• June 10, ~3:06–3:13 PM (Henry): Follow-ups emphasizing urgency to mitigate damages and requesting help with humility.
• June 10 (Latest from Joe, ~after 3 PM): Positive update — The City is open to reviewing a landscaping plan. They still prefer fescue as the standard for the ROW, but property owners can propose improvements that increase functionality and aesthetics. Public Works and Planning will collaborate on review if Henry submits a detailed plan.

Current Status

The conversation has progressed positively. The City has moved from a strict “turf only” stance to willingness to review custom low-maintenance proposals. Next logical step is for Henry to prepare and submit a landscaping plan (potentially incorporating elements from the RFP) for formal review by Public Works and Planning.

This thread demonstrates constructive dialogue, with the City showing flexibility while maintaining standards, and Henry pushing for practical, cost-effective long-term solutions given the property hold period.

---

Henry McClure

​Joseph A. Harrington;​publicworks@topeka.org​

​City Clerk;​Mark Schreiner​

​mcre1.444danak@blogger.com​

Subject: RE: Gage @ 37th

Dear Mr. Harrington,

Thank you for your prompt response and for including the City Clerk’s office. I appreciate the City’s perspective on maintaining a consistent appearance in the right-of-way.

I am sympathetic to the preference for Tall Turf Fescue, fertilizer, and mulch as the standard treatment. However, as the abutting property owner, I believe we should have reasonable flexibility in the area from the back of the curb/sidewalk to our property line. This is especially true for zero or near-zero maintenance options that fully comply with Topeka Municipal Code (e.g., Titles 8, 12, and 18), Public Works standards for drainage, utilities, sight lines, safety, and erosion control.

Given Topeka’s economic and growth challenges, we anticipate holding this property for an extended period. Traditional turf would create ongoing mowing, watering, and care costs, whereas compliant low-maintenance alternatives—such as permeable pavers/hardscape, stabilized decomposed granite or rock/gravel mulch, native/low-water ground covers, or xeriscaping—could substantially reduce or eliminate those burdens while improving long-term stewardship and reducing erosion risks. These options would be installed only after securing any required Public Works permits and meeting all engineering and restoration standards.

To move forward productively, I would like to add the Public Works Department to this conversation for their guidance. I am happy to submit site plans, coordinate utility locates, or work directly with them on a review to ensure full compliance.

Thank you again for your assistance. I look forward to your thoughts and to collaborating on a solution that works for both the City and our stewardship responsibilities.

Best regards, Henry McClure MCRE, LLC 3625 SW 29th Street #100 Topeka, KS 66614 Phone: 785-383-9994 Email: mcre13@gmail.com

---

From: Joseph A. Harrington <jaharrington@topeka.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 9:15 AM
To: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Cc: City Clerk <cclerk@Topeka.org>; Mark Schreiner <MSchreiner@Topeka.org>
Subject: RE: Gage @ 37th

 

Okay

 

From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 9:14 AM
To: Joseph A. Harrington <jaharrington@topeka.org>
Cc: City Clerk <cclerk@Topeka.org>; Mark Schreiner <MSchreiner@Topeka.org>
Subject: Re: Gage @ 37th

 

Notice: -----This message was sent by an external sender-----

 

We should have a meeting to discuss this.

 

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

 

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android

---

From: Joseph A. Harrington <jaharrington@topeka.org>
Sent: Wednesday, 10 June 2026 09:12:02
To: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Cc: City Clerk <cclerk@Topeka.org>; Mark Schreiner <MSchreiner@Topeka.org>
Subject: RE: Gage @ 37th

 

Henry-

 

I don’t think that the City is going to want you to place anything between the sidewalk and your property line except for Tall Turf Fescue, Fertilizer, & Mulch.

 

From: Henry McClure <mcre13@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 6:00 PM
To: Joseph A. Harrington <jaharrington@topeka.org>
Cc: City Clerk <cclerk@topeka.org>
Subject: Gage @ 37th

 

Notice: -----This message was sent by an external sender-----

 

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Zero/Low-Maintenance Right-of-Way (ROW) Parkway Improvements SW 37th Street & Gage Boulevard Area, Topeka, KS

Issued by: Henry McClure, MCRE, LLC Date: 6 / 9 / 2026 Proposal Due Date: ASAP Contact: Henry McClure | Phone: 785-383-9994 | Email: mcre13@gmail.com

1. Project Overview

MCRE, LLC seeks qualified landscaping and hardscaping contractors to submit proposals for improving the public right-of-way (ROW) parkway area along the subject property at/near SW 37th Street and Gage Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas. The goal is to finish the area from the back of the curb to the property line with durable, zero or low-maintenance treatments that comply with City of Topeka standards.

Key objectives:

• Minimize or eliminate ongoing mowing, weeding, irrigation, and other maintenance.
• Ensure proper drainage, safety, sight lines, and no obstructions.
• Obtain necessary Public Works permits (if required) and meet all TMC requirements for street parkings/ROW landscaping.

Estimated Area: [Insert sq ft or dimensions, e.g., "approximately X linear feet along the frontage, Y feet deep from back of curb to property line"]. Typical residential ROW in Topeka is around 60 ft total width; confirm exact limits with Public Works.

2. Scope of Work

Contractors must provide turnkey services including:

• Site assessment, utility locates (Kansas One Call), grading/drainage corrections, and erosion control.
• Design and installation of approved zero/low-maintenance surfaces (e.g., permeable pavers, stabilized decomposed granite, rock mulch/xeriscaping with native drought-tolerant plants/groundcover, or approved hardscape).
• All materials, labor, equipment, and restoration.
• Coordination with City of Topeka Public Works for any required ROW permits and inspections.
• Warranty: Minimum 1-2 years on materials and workmanship, with provisions for City-required restoration if disturbed.
• Removal/disposal of existing materials (if applicable) and final cleanup.

Prohibited or Restricted Items (per typical ROW rules):

• Non-permeable surfaces causing runoff issues.
• Items that obstruct utilities, drainage, sidewalks, or sight triangles.
• High-maintenance elements (e.g., extensive turf, unapproved sprinklers extending into ROW).

3. Proposal Requirements

Submit one (1) digital PDF proposal including:

• Company Profile: Experience with municipal/ROW projects, references (especially in Topeka or similar Kansas cities), licenses, insurance, and bonding capacity.
• Approach & Design Concepts: 2-3 options with descriptions, materials, estimated lifespan, maintenance needs (target: near-zero), and visuals/renderings. Address drainage, permeability, and durability.
• Detailed Cost Breakdown: Lump sum or unit prices, including permits, materials, labor, contingencies. Separate design vs. installation if phased.
• Timeline: Project schedule from award to completion.
• Compliance Statement: Confirmation of adherence to Topeka Municipal Code (Titles 8, 12, 18), Public Works standards, and any other regulations.
• Exceptions/Alternatives: Any proposed deviations with justification.

4. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

1. Compliance with City codes and low-maintenance goals (30%).
2. Experience, references, and qualifications (25%).
3. Cost/value (25%).
4. Design quality, innovation, and timeline (15%).
5. Overall responsiveness (5%).

5. Timeline

• RFP Issued: [Date]
• Questions Deadline: [Date]
• Proposals Due: [Date, Time] to [email/address]
• Contractor Selection: [Date]
• Project Completion Target: [Date]

6. Terms & Conditions

• The owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive informalities, or negotiate.
• Work must comply with all applicable laws; contractor responsible for permits/insurance.
• Payment terms: [e.g., 30% deposit, progress payments, final upon acceptance].
• Insurance: General liability, workers' comp, etc., as required.
• This is not a contract; award is subject to negotiation of final agreement.

Questions: Direct all inquiries in writing to Henry McClure by [deadline].

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to your proposals.

Henry McClure MCRE, LLC

Gage @ 37th ROW Landscaping Email Thread – Bullet Timeline Summary (For Your Records – June 9–10, 2026)

• June 9, 2026 – Henry initiates Sent detailed RFP to Joseph A. Harrington for zero/low-maintenance ROW parkway improvements (back of curb/sidewalk to property line). Options highlighted: permeable pavers, stabilized decomposed granite, rock/gravel mulch, xeriscaping, native ground covers. Emphasized TMC compliance, Public Works permits, drainage, safety, and erosion control.
• June 10, 9:12 AM – City initial response (Harrington) Stated City preference for Tall Turf Fescue + fertilizer + mulch only in the area between sidewalk and property line.
• June 10, 9:14 AM – Henry reply Suggested holding a meeting to discuss the issue.
• June 10, 9:15 AM – Harrington Replied “Okay.”
• June 10, ~12:39 PM – Henry update Reported positive progress with Fit Construction on site; requested assistance mitigating damages and help working around guy wires.
• June 10, 2:10 PM – Harrington Confirmed they would discuss internally and get back to Henry. (Public Works added to thread.)
• June 10, ~3:06–3:13 PM – Henry follow-ups Reiterated urgency to mitigate damages and requested help with humility.
• June 10 (Latest ~after 3 PM) – Harrington positive update City is open to reviewing a landscaping plan.
  • Standard preference remains fescue.
  • Property owners may propose improvements that enhance functionality and aesthetics.
  • Public Works and Planning will collaborate on review.

Current Status (as of June 10, 2026): Positive momentum. City has shifted from “turf only” to willingness to review custom low-maintenance proposals. Next step: Prepare and submit a detailed landscaping plan for formal review.