No. of Recommendations: 2
I've been to the North Rim twice. It's a surprisingly long drive from Phoenix because you have to go around (usually the east end) of the Canyon, almost to Page, then over to the west, and back down at Jacob Lake (almost an hour from Jacob Lake to the Rim).
Sounds like the main "village" at the North Rim was destroyed. There aren't that many constructions up there, unlike the South Rim. That one spot had the lodge, some cute cabins (tiny, but many were steps away from the view), and the visitor center. Didn't stay in the village (books out way in advance). I think the views from the North Rim are better, but it takes more driving between viewpoints because it's so spread out.