Unusual house along I-495 sound barriers (Washington: how much, neighborhoods, construction)

[johnsonkk]

For a couple months, I had to drive along I-495 and near the Gallows Road, southbound entrance ramp, there is a house that visible sticks out past the concrete sound barriers. All other barriers seem to be between the houes and an interstate but not this house. It sticks out enough that when they put the barriers up, they skipped a section and continued along.

Anybody else seen this house and know why DOT left it 'hanging'? The photo shows some impending soil errosion once the rainy season begins.

[themommy]

I've noticed that house, too, and one day last year when I was in that area with a little extra time to kill I drove around those neighborhoods until I found it. It looked to me like it was vacant (as in, didn't have anyone living in it) but was probably being used as offices for VDOT or whomever is doing that construction. Maybe it was condemned/seized/whatever because its proximity to the new walls was going to make it uninhabitable anyway, and they're leaving it up as long as possible so they can take advantage of some free "office space"? That's my best guess, anyway.

[slduvall]

The WP did an article on this house. It is actually serving as an office for the construction crew.

[Teebyrd86]

so sad a nice house thats going to be torn down.. I wonder how much the owners got for it? Market value?

[spleuchan]

Odd site: House in Va. abuts Capital Beltway - The Washington Post

[Denton56]

Originally Posted by Teebyrd86

so sad a nice house thats going to be torn down.. I wonder how much the owners got for it? Market value?

If the government takes your house, they must give you fair market value. I know people who this happened to and they were thrilled with the amount they got. Plus, it saved them from having to sell it. They were about to retire so they took the money and ran off to Florida.

[Alicia Bradley]

Just another day in the colorful world of NoVA housing.

[car54]

Originally Posted by Teebyrd86

so sad a nice house thats going to be torn down.. I wonder how much the owners got for it? Market value?

I have lost land to eminent domain a couple of times. Both times I received low-ball offers....that were eventually negotiated up to an acceptable level.

So yes, you receive market value....but not without a fight!

[johnsonkk]

Thanks for all the quick replies. Article states the owners got $650,000 for the house.

[chocolatelover]

Thanks for posting this question! I pointed this house out to my husband a few months ago and never figured out what was going on with it. I had been wondering who would want to sit out on that back room and overlook an exit ramp!