“They were going to get pushed out one way or the other so I think it’s good that they’re leaving now,” Ivey said. “I think the landlord had a different vision for that space in light of the new development. New condos are being built across the street. No one’s saying it but I think that’s where some of the pressure was coming from.”
Just last week, another Black-owned business, located on the same block, announced it would be shutting its doors.
To read about the closing of Abay Ethiopian click here
So what does this mean for the future of East Liberty and other neighborhoods in desperate need of revitalization like Larimer and Homewood?
“You kind of sense that the energy is gone. You saw a lot of development of the outskirts (of East Liberty) and that’s kind of the last area that will be changed. The energy has totally changed,” Ivey said. “ I just think the people of Larimer and Homewood should get ready because the changes are coming sooner than they think. So they’re going to need to get invested or get out.”
Strong said 7th Movement Development LLC would announce AVA’s new home within two weeks when a lease has been signed.
In the meantime, 7th Movement Development LLC is partnering with a North Side venue to continue bringing Shadow Lounge’s brand of entertainment to the Pittsburgh community. On May 25, they hosted the first of such events at the North Shore Saloon.
Follow Rebecca Nuttall on Twitter @PghReporter
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