WHAT'S GOING ON AT EASTHAM'S EXXON SERVICE CENTER? (VIDEO AND PHOTOS)

Bethesda's beloved and historic Eastham's Service Center has been in limbo for about 3 months.  No longer an Exxon gas station, it was scheduled for demolition anytime after January 1, 2013.  Yet, simultaneously, Eastham's ownership has been negotiating with the developer (which plans to build a luxury apartment building on the site), in hopes of using the station as a repair center prior to demolition.

However, the window is now closing, and no deal has been publicly announced.  Eastham's now has only 27 days left to use the site.  Calls to the Eastham's number go to voicemail, which plays the same message about their hopes of opening in "early November," which, uh, has kind of passed, if you check your calendar.

Yet strange things are afoot at the station.  The office is gleaming, and in impeccable condition.  I've never seen a gas station office so well-maintained in all my life, in all of my travels.

There is also a Christmas wreath on display.

Last but not least, there is music in the air.

On a recent evening, late-1970s elevator music was heard near the station.  Following the sound led one to the canopy that once covered the [now-removed] gas pumps.  Emanating from stereo speakers in a brick pillar, was Muzak, apparently still operational, and having been reactivated by someone in recent days.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF MUZAK AT EASTHAM'S

The spotless station, and new signs of life, suggest that Eastham's may be close to reopening as a service center.  But with less than 4 weeks remaining, how much revenue can be realized?  Or do they know something the public doesn't?  Namely, that an unforeseen delay in construction of the apartments has occurred?

Most people don't put a like-new leather couch in a room they expect to be demolished.  Consider this advance notice of an inevitable announcement any day now.