Fire destroys UnityPoint office building in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — An office used by UnityPoint Health — mostly vacant because employees are working from home in the pandemic — was destroyed by fire Wednesday evening, company and fire officials said.

Crews responded to the two-story building at 3851 River Ridge Drive NE — near Glass Road and Edgewood Road NE — when an automatic fire alarm went off at 6:07 p.m. Arriving firefighters found about half the top floor was engulfed in flames, officials said.

“Cedar Rapids Fire Department reports all employees were able to exit the facility safely as the majority of employees work remotely due to the pandemic,” a post on UnityPoint Health’s Facebook page said. “No patient data or medical records have been affected. Cedar Rapids Fire indicates the building is a total loss. ”

The Cedar Rapids Fire Department said two employees were in the building at the time of the fire but were able to escape. However, about an hour after crews arrived, the roof began to sag and officials said crews were expected to remain on the scene well into the night. They asked people to avoid driving in the area.

Fire officials said the cause and origin of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported.

The commercial building is owned by TBD Investments and leased by UnityPoint Health System Services.