Facade of Vacant Iowa Building Collapses

Officials are trying to determine why the front of a vacant building collapsed in downtown Waterloo this weekend.

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports the facade of the aging building collapsed Saturday evening and damaged at least one nearby building.

The building’s owner, Rich Penn, had been planning to renovate the vacant building into apartments, and he has had contractors out examining the building.

Penn says he knew the facade of the building might fall, and he had planned to have it removed next week.

Debris from the collapse damaged the building that houses La Placita Mexican Store and Restaurant and a couple apartments.

No injuries were reported. Waterloo Fire Capt. Ryan Manhood says officials will inspect the La Placita building to make sure it’s safe before people return.