Things are returning to normal here in Cedar Rapids.  Maybe that's not the best way to put it. We're establishing a new normal. We've had a whopper of a winter, so far, but maybe things are going to calm down to a gentle slide into spring. (No one wants a repeat of last summer!)Then I'm reminded that every year, without fail, there is a snowstorm during the annual Cedar Rapids Home and Builders Show at the US Cellular Center. We are running classes and working on several new commissions. Right now, we're low on repairs. That's nice because as the old saying goes "it's always easier to make new than repair old." We are updating our primary website this month, so watch for the new format, photos and infomation. ...read more

Even if you are not from the area (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), you probably saw our city on the news. Yes, we are the city that flooded, not a few feet over flood stage, but 19 feet over flood stage!! Cedar Rapids was in the New York Times, on the Today Show, and The Weather Channel. Major flooding happens in the area at 16 feet. The last big flood in 1993 crested at 19+ feet. Cedar Rapids' "Perfect Flood" was 11+  feet over the previous record. Once the water had covered the downtown bridges, it was all just a waiting game. It appeared no one really knew how far the river would go.This flood was beyond the 100 year flood plan. This flood was beyond the 500 year flood plan.  It cannot fully be described to someone that does not live here and not seen it with their own eyes.  A minimum of 4000 residences, 200 businesses (many of them small enterprises) were flooded. Even now, a little more than a month after the crest, more things are unknown than known. Many do not know what to do with their homes. Others do not know what to do with their businesses. Our business is 3 blocks from where the water stopped. I am in the 700 block of 2nd Ave. That's seven blocks (& up a hill) from the riverbank. We were only closed for a day or two to discourage people from travelling when it was unnecessary. The exit from I-380 has always been open, but the traffic for many weeks has been recovery vehicles not many of the people of our community. We, thankfully, are keeping ourselves busy with commissions, but it's always nice to see new faces. It's getting a little lonely around here. Come in an support local business. ...read more