Photo courtesy of Charlie Nixon, Coon Rapids Enterprise
Reports have been coming in that an overnight fire has destroyed an historic building in downtown Coon Rapids. Owner and editor of the Coon Rapids Enterprise, Charlie Nixon, has said it is a sad night as the blaze engulfed the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F) building, located in the middle of the block on the north side between 5th and 6th Avenues. According to his report, passersby reported the fire to authorities at approximately 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. Crews from Carroll, Dedham and Bayard joined the Coon Rapids Fire Department in battling the fire and to help keep it from spreading to the United States Post Office and Northside Recreation Parlor adjacent to it. The 1911 building was previously owned by Doug and Cheryl King, but recently sold on contract to Robbie Lyons and Cherie Block, all residents of Coon Rapids. It housed the former Ribbons and Roses flower and gift shop. There was one tenant occupying an upstairs apartment in the building who was safely evacuated. Photos and more details can be found on the Coon Rapids Enterprise Facebook page by following the link below.