CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A community fundraising campaign has secured the future of a historic storefront in Cedar Rapids’ Time Czech neighborhood, a building that has remained vacant since suffering extensive damage in the 2008 flood. The “Brick by Brick Finish Line” fundraiser, organized by Save CR Heritage, culminated in the acquisition of the former pharmacy building, dating back to the 1920s and will pave the way for its transformation into an architectural salvage shop and community space.
Save CR Heritage purchased the building last year, according to Nikki Halvorson, president of the organization. The fundraising effort was designed to cover the costs of bringing the structure up to code and preparing it for occupancy. Donors who contributed $100 or more were recognized with their names inscribed on a brick incorporated into the building’s structure.
“It’s what helped us secure the storefront building, so definitely successful,” Halvorson said. The funds raised will be used for essential updates, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work.
The 2008 flood, which crested at a record 31.12 feet on June 13th, caused widespread devastation in Cedar Rapids, impacting more than ten square miles of the city and displacing over 18,000 residents. The Time Czech neighborhood was particularly hard hit, with many buildings left abandoned in the aftermath. While the city demolished over 1,200 homes and 200 commercial buildings following the disaster, several historic structures, including the former pharmacy, were spared.
Save CR Heritage has been working to preserve at-risk historic properties in Cedar Rapids since 2012. The organization hosted a similar “CR Resurgence Tour” in 2018, highlighting sites that had survived the 2008 flood, including Mott Lofts, Rowell Hardware/Dash Coffee Roasters, and the Herda House. The J-E Halvorson House, which also operates as a salvage shop supporting preservation efforts, served as the location for the recent “Brick by Brick Finish Line” fundraiser.
Organizers have emphasized the require for continued support, noting that the project is being led entirely by volunteers. “We’re all volunteers with day jobs, so anyone interested in helping or donating—we’d love to hear from you,” Halvorson stated. The future architectural salvage shop will offer unique and sustainable materials for renovation and DIY projects, while the community space aims to foster local engagement.
