Historic Lighthouse Inn in Cedar Rapids destroyed by fire

[EagleHawk]

I have never been there but had a few co-workers who went there weekly.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Linn County Sheriff Brian Gardner tells KCRG-TV9 that the Lighthouse Inn Supper Club Mt. Vernon Road SE was destroyed by a fire Wednesday morning.

According to a press release, the fire was first reported around 5:15 a.m. when a passerby noticed smoke and flames coming from the roof of the building.

When deputies arrived, the found flames spreading fast throughout the building.

There were no people inside the Lighthouse Inn at the of the fire and damage was limited to the restaurant.

The fire is out, but firefighters are still on scene.

The fire is under investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office says Mt. Vernon Road is closed between Dows Road and Wanatee Creek Road.

The Lighthouse Inn is one of Cedar Rapids’ most historic businesses. In July, the restaurant celebrated its 112 year anniversary. According to its website, it was a common stop for Chicago-based mobsters during Prohibition, including Al Capone and John Dillinger.

Lighthouse Inn destroyed by fire

Firefighters are on scene of a fire burning on Mt. Vernon Road SE in Cedar Rapids.

www.kcrg.com

 

[lonestar50]

Driving to work today I could smell it and it was hazy downtown on 380. I thought something downtown was on fire. A lot of history in that place

 

[bagdropper]

First the Ced-Rel closed down, now The Lighthouse burns down.

Those were pretty much the last of the old school supper clubs left in CR.

 

[Menace Sockeyes]

First the Ced-Rel closed down, now The Lighthouse burns down.

Those were pretty much the last of the old school supper clubs left in CR.

And Ced-Rel was back wonderfully before Covid did it in. The Lighthouse managed to survive and managed to even thrive again finally, until this.

 

[McLovin32]

That's pretty shitty. I've only been there a few times, mostly because it was quite a drive from my side of CR when I lived down there. But you hate seeing something like this happen to one of the city's more "iconic" restaurants.

 

[Old_wrestling_fan]

Ugh...I have fond memories of going there as a kid, 50+ years ago, with my grandparents and then occasionally through the years with others. It was a special occasion destination for our family.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

First the Ced-Rel closed down, now The Lighthouse burns down.

Those were pretty much the last of the old school supper clubs left in CR.

I really does suck. The Ranch, Boar's Head, Flame Room, The Lark, Ced-Rel and now this.

Yet Applebee's, Chilli's, Olive Garden, and all the chains seem to go on forever.

 

[EagleHawk]

 

[Kinnick.At.Night]

Very sad to see. I have fond memories of the Lighthouse over the years. Even if it’s rebuilt, the history and charm of the original venue can never be replaced.

 

[bagdropper]

Ugh...I have fond memories of going there as a kid, 50+ years ago, with my grandparents and then occasionally through the years with others. It was a special occasion destination for our family.

For our family it was the Sirloin n Brew. Fantastic food...

 

[GOHOX69]

The owner said he felt ill yesterday and had the place closed. Hint, hint. Lea Cohen from Bo James says hi.

 

[bagdropper]

It appears it's a total loss per the Gazette.

And yeah, you always wonder when a mom and pop type restaurant goes up in smoke. But a fire that started roughly 3am give or take, my 1st thought is a fryer left on or some electrical short.

I just don't see an owner putting a match to a historic place like this. Hell, Breitbach's burned down twice I believe in the same year awhile back. Shit happens...