Falling bricks close downtown Cedar Rapids sidewalk

CEDAR RAPIDS — A section of sidewalk on Third Avenue in downtown Cedar Rapids was closed Saturday morning after bricks fell from the facade of a four-story building and landed on the sidewalk.

The falling bricks landed adjacent to the Granby building, 218 2nd St. SE, according to a news release from the city of Cedar Rapids. The incident was reported at approximately 7:25 a.m. Saturday, shortly before the Downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers Market opened. No injuries were reported, according to the city.

Using a Cedar Rapids Fire Department ladder truck, crews inspected the building’s exterior and removed other loose materials, the news release states. The city’s Buildings Services Department was notified. A preliminary inspection indicated the bricks fell from the facade.

“The damage appears to be confined to the building’s facade, with no immediate indication of deeper structural concerns at this time,” the release states.

  Buy Photo

The Granby building is a commercial building with no residential occupants, according to the city. Assessor records show it is owned by Armstrong-Race Realty Co.

The city’s news release states that the property’s owner and manager have been directed to work with an engineer to get an assessment of the building’s structural integrity within 48 hours. The property’s owner also has been directed by the city to make any “necessary and expedited mitigation efforts” following the engineer’s assessment.

The city release states that the sidewalk outside the building will remain closed as a precautionary measure. The Building Services Department will “maintain an active case on the property until it fully complies with all relevant building codes,” the city said.