Emergency crews and residents were met with an unexpected sight early yesterday morning after a section of the Heights Medical Building's facade collapsed onto the sidewalk outside The Fairmount Cocktail Bar at the corner of Cedar Road and Fairmount Boulevard in Cleveland Heights. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. with no reported injuries, according to Cleveland.com.
Witnesses watched as large bricks from the cornice tumbled down, destroying the bar's recognizable sign and awnings. Mayor Kahlil Seren indicated that the cause of the collapse is currently under investigation. By Sunday afternoon, cleanup crews were already at work, removing the debris to ensure public safety.
The mishap forced The Fairmount, a staple in the Cedar-Fairmount district, to shutter yesterday. However, the establishment confirmed plans to reopen this afternoon. Patrons will be redirected to utilize the back entrance for entry as a precaution while the front of the building remains impacted. "The CHFD as well as the structural engineer have deemed the building safe for business purposes and there is no danger to guests and or passersby," a representative told FOX8.
The over-century-old building suffered a partial collapse last Saturday following heavy rain and strong winds. Crews working in the area informed WKYC that they were disassembling parts of the structure afterward for safety reasons. The rapid response by clean-up crews and local officials reflects Cleveland Heights' commitment to public safety and historical preservation.
