PHOTOS: People's Church building demolished

The former People's Church has become the first building in Cedar Rapids listed on the National Register of Historic Places to be demolished, without having been damaged by fire or natural disaster.

The demolition began in earnest Monday.

Citing the interior that was gutted by church members, the Historic Preservation Commission voted in September to lift the 60-day hold on the demolition permit for the building, at 600 Third Ave. SE. That hold had been placed on the commission last month, in hopes the building could be moved.

The congregation sold the 1875 building to developer Steve Emerson, who plans to raze the church and construct an office building on the site.

A sign in front of the building refers to office space for lease in the forthcoming four-story building.

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