‘No structural integrity issue’ identified with downtown Cedar Rapids building where bricks fell

CEDAR RAPIDS — No structural integrity issue has been identified with a downtown Cedar Rapids building where bricks this weekend fell onto the sidewalk from the facade of a four-story building, a city official said Monday.

Bricks were reported to have fallen and landed adjacent to the Granby Building, 218 Second St. SE, at about 7:25 a.m. Saturday, shortly before the Downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers Market opened. No injuries were reported, according to the city.

City Building Services Director Kevin Ciabatti said in a statement that no issue was identified after the owner had a structural engineer evaluate the building. The bricks fell from a decorative facade. A masonry contractor was slated to be on-site by 11 a.m. Monday to further evaluate and do repairs.

“The sidewalk remains closed until such time the repairs are complete,” Ciabatti said. “It is a commercial property and there are businesses operating today.”

After the bricks fell Saturday, crews using a Cedar Rapids Fire Department ladder truck inspected the building’s exterior and removed other loose materials, according to the city.

The Granby Building is a commercial building with no residential occupants, according to the city. City assessor records show Armstrong-Race Realty Co. owns the property.

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