Driving West on U.S. Highway 50 in Fairfax County, Virginia, one passes a variety of boring strip malls and commercial businesses that are accessed by countless traffic signals. At the line of demarcation between Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, a bland, cookie-cutter commercial industrial park with flooring, carpet and self storage stores suddenly gives way to a picturesque car dealership housed in a modern building (top right). In 2007, Moore Cadillac and Hummer left their 30-year-old dealership on Route 7 in Fairfax County’s Tysons Corner for Chantilly in fast-growing Loudoun County. At the time, there was talk of nice tax break given to them by Loudoun County. But upon further review five years later, it turns out Moore hit the jackpot and made an estimated $45 million on the sale of their property, located next to the future Tysons West Metro Station, which will open in 2013. The former car lot is currently being developed and when the Metro opens next year, it will contain a Wal-Mart, a gym, stores, office space and a parking lot. Meanwhile, back in Loudoun County on a Sunday morning, Moore Cadillac was closed for the day, while Moore Hummer was seemingly closed for good (bottom left). The beautiful arc-shaped building sits empty and the Hummer sign has been removed. Are they doing Moore or less business since they moved to Loudoun County? (Update: Moore Hummer is closed for good as the last vehicle rolled off the assembly line back on May 24, 2010. Thanks to my buddy Rob for pointing out this automotive oversight.)

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