South Carolina Department of Highways & Public Transportation v. E.S.I. Investments

ON WRIT OF CERTIORARI TO THE COURT OF APPEALS

FINNEY, Chief Justice:

We granted a writ of certiorari to review the Court of Appeals’ decision in South Carolina Department of Highways & Public Transportation v. E.S.I. Investments, 322 S.C. 147, 470 S.E.2d 387 (Ct.App.1996). We reverse.

FACTS

This condemnation action was commenced by the filing of three Notices of Condemnation. The actions were consolidated for trial and tried before a jury. E.S.I. Investments (petitioner) was seeking compensation in excess of $1.8 million *492dollars for damages to its shopping center resulting from the condemnation.…