CEDAR RAPIDS - For the last five years, the African American Museum of Iowa has grown at its spot next to the Cedar River.

"Iowa has 99 counties, and last year we did programs in 70 of them," said Ed Young with the museum.

But, in an attempt to protect Cedar Rapids from another flood, the museum might have to go.

"We're on the wet side, we are on the side where there would be no buildings," said Young.

The city has drawn the line of where flood protection would go in the next 10 years or so. It doesn't make any friends, or exceptions.

Right now, it shows that Smulekoff's would be demolished, along with the Science Station and several buildings on the other side of the river.

But, this is by no means the final map and the line could change by a block either way.

"It's not as easy as just picking a spot on a map and putting the pen down," said Cedar Rapids Long Range Planner Adam Lindenlaub.

Consultants and contractors have walked the city to figure out the best spots for the wall.

In most cases, the city says it just won't work to put the flood wall next to the river. So that means not only demolishing buildings, homes and neighborhoods, but also roads, like First Street South West.

"You may see a building that is 20 or 30 feet from the river and depending on where you put your flood wall, that may not be enough room to put your flood wall there," said Lindenlaub.

So the line is drawn, but it's far from final. And the museum, is far from history...yet.

The city is looking for input on the wall during a city council meeting on October 16th.

Email Justin Foss at Justin.Foss@kcrg.com