Two buildings in downtown Muscatine collapsed shortly before midnight Friday, July 31, during a period of heavy rain. No injuries have been reported.
The buildings at 201 and 203 E. 2nd St. had been the subject of ongoing structural concerns and safety measures for months.
The City of Muscatine had previously ordered precautionary evacuations of 201 and 205 E. 2nd St. in November 2025 because of developing structural concerns.
More video was captured last night from the Merrill Soap Company.
On June 13, emergency crews were called to the 200 block of East 2nd Street after part of the roof at 203 E. 2nd St. collapsed onto the neighboring building at 201 E. 2nd St. Emergency demolition work began June 15-16 but was quickly suspended, and additional inspections of buildings throughout the block were ordered.
On June 19, the city ordered the evacuation of all buildings on the north side of the 200 block of East 2nd Street after inspections identified additional structural concerns.
East 2nd Street, including the intersection with Sycamore Street, has remained closed, with access restricted to authorized personnel.
The city has repeatedly said public safety remains its top priority throughout the ongoing situation and has asked residents and businesses to remain patient and cooperate with safety restrictions.
The city also continues to encourage residents to support downtown businesses during the closures and ongoing structural issues.
Photos and video of Friday night’s collapse were shared by Coffee Belt
via City of Muscatine and the Merrill Soap Company.
Residents can find official updates and press releases through the City of Muscatine’s website and social media pages as information develops.
