Zerbys' $400,000 bid wins auction

The Zerby family of Rehoboth Beach, owners of businesses including the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, successfully bid on a small house on a strip of land at the intersection of Route 1 and Rehoboth Avenue Extended at a March 19 auction.

About three dozen people attended the event hosted by Emmert Auction Associates, where four parties bid. Jeff and Jennifer Zerby won with the top bid of $400,000.

The former residence, which was sold by a Wilmington man, is zoned C-1 commercial; it is estimated that approximately 30,000 to 40,000 vehicles per day drive by.

Jennifer Zerby said the family has no immediate plans for the property, but viewed it as a logical purchase because they own adjacent properties including The Point Coffee House and a lot with a warehouse and billboards.