They're bringing down the house in the Gorge.

The Columbia Gorge is close to getting a new public park with scenic viewpoints twice as high as Crown Point. But before the park goes in, a 5,000 square foot home that's already at the location has to come out.

For 25 years, the Washougal home has sat high atop Cape Horn. Its backyard has a spectacular view of the Columbia Gorge. Almost since the day the home was built, conservationists, along with some nearby neighbors, have wanted it gone.

Now they are getting their wish. Piece by piece crews are dismantling the massive home. Two years ago Friends of the Columbia Gorge purchased the house. Now, with the help of mainly individual donations, the group is tearing it down with plans to build a brand new park.

“We realized, yes, it’s a million dollar house. Usually they stay put, but the view and the opportunity is worth far more than a million dollars,” explained Kevin Gorman, Executive Director of Friends of the Columbia Gorge. And many neighbors agree. “It’s brining us recreational opportunity for the locals for Skamania County, this is a really positive economic development piece for our county,” said Renee Tkach, a nearby neighbor.

Where the house is now are plans for a view-point and an easily accessible trail that will wind along the rim. “Finally the state of Washington is getting some equally great trails as Oregon has had for a long time,” said Tkach.

And as for that million dollar home, it too is going to good use. 70 percent of it is being recycled. Green Home Construction is dismantling the home. Company owner Tom Reid says it’s a tough but rewarding job. “From the metal to the wood to the shingles to the siding everything if it can be reused its reused in some manner,” said Reid.

This fall, the US Forest Service will decide what the park will look like, and construction of the new scenic overlook will likely start this spring.