The state Department of Transportation plans to demolish it as part of the Direct Connection project.
BELLMAWR -- Those trying to save a nearly 300-year-old house from being plowed under to make way for a new highway interchange have said it's not too late.
It appears they may be right, since the Federal Highway Administration is now getting involved with what happens to the Hugg-Harrison-Glover House.
Highway Administration officials met with staff from U.S. Sen. Cory Booker's office last week to talk about the project, the Courier-Post reported, and expects to meet with Norcross or his staff soon.
Plans for the barriers around I-295 that necessitate the demolition of the house. The New Jersey Department of Transportation's plans for the $900 million Direct Connection project involving I-76, I-295 and NJ-42 call for removing the house to build a noise barrier there.
The bones of the Hugg-Harrison-Glover House date back to 1720. During the Revolutionary War, it was owned by Captain William Harrison Jr., head of the local militia that fought British soldiers on the property.
A NJDOT spokesman said the department determined 10 years ago that the home didn't qualify as truly historic due to additions and other modern upgrades.
Last month, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross asked the Federal Highway Administration to review the information about the historical and architectural significance of the dwelling and to consider a proposal to relocate the house.
Highway Administration agreed to consider the move, even though the Direct Connection project calls for the house's demolition to take place by the end of 2016.
The legacy of historic Bellmawr house
"The FHWA has worked closely with state officials, historical experts and the New Jersey DOT to explore every option to relocate the building, or preserve elements of it such as its original brick facade, before construction is to begin later this year," administration spokesman Doug Hecox said in a statement. "Many questions remain, such as where the building would be moved to, and whether it is structurally sound enough for such a move."
Hecox said that while the Highway Administration will work to ensure that NJDOT officials have all the information needed to make the decision about the fate of the house, "ultimately this is NJDOT's decision."
Among the groups working to preserve the home is the Camden County Historical Society. A Change.org petition to save the house has over 1,700 signatures.
Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.