1990-present: The June 2008 Flood from the Cedar River was initially devastating to the Czech Village area. All structures along 16th Avenue SW were impacted with at least 10 feet of flood water above the sidewalk level. Several longtime businesses such as Polehna’s meat market (pictured here showing damage from the flood), did not reopen. However, a larger percentage of longtime stores and attractions did rebuild after the flood, including the Czech Cottage, Sykora’s Bakery and Ernie’s Tavern. Almost all of the historic buildings along 16th Avenue SW between the river and C Street SW were restored following the Flood. The two that were demolished were the Saddle & Leather Shop structure at 48 16th Avenue SW and a storage building next to the Bridge of Lions that had once been an earlier home for the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library at 10 16th Avenue SW.