The first complaint came in late June.
Justin Strong, the owner of East Liberty’s Shadow Lounge, says he found a card on his door telling him to call Pittsburgh’s Bureau of Building Inspection. The BBI, he says, was concerned that his nightclub — which has been in business for 12 years — might not have the right zoning-board approval for the live music performed there.
The second complaint came almost exactly a month later, via a phone call from an official at the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement. Strong says it was a “courtesy warning,” notifying him that the volume of the music from the lounge might be too loud.
Such complaints are unusual for Strong: The Shadow Lounge has rarely made the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police’s radar, says Pittsburgh Police Zone 5 Community Relations Officer Michael Gay Sr. And the state Liquor Control Board has also had no problems renewing the club’s liquor license every two years since Strong acquired the license in 2005, according to Stacey Kriedeman, the board’s spokeswoman.
In light of that, Strong says the two recent, similar complaints targeting the business are disconcerting.
Neither Strong nor his landlord, Eve Picker — co-founder of the nonprofit cityLab, an organization involved in urban-planning issues — knows for sure the source of the complaints. Picker says Strong is a good tenant whom she would like to keep. And neither the BBI nor the state police will divulge the sources of the original complaints. But although many credit the Shadow Lounge with rejuvenating the Penn Circle area, Strong worries that some people think he may no longer fit into the landscape that he has helped to change.
“What is different now?” Strong asks. “Things just started adding up. All of a sudden, we got all this increased pressure.”
Established in 2000 as a coffee shop that featured live entertainment, the Shadow Lounge drew an eclectic following, promoting a wide range of music acts — from artists such as Girl Talk to violinists and fiddlers, and spoken-word artists. It grew into today’s space, a non-smoking venue featuring two performance venues with two separate bars, with the support of community groups such as the East Liberty Development Inc., and the backing of political supporters such as Pittsburgh City Councilor Bill Peduto.
Peduto, who says he used to spend a lot of time at Shadow Lounge in its early years to make sure it wasn’t harassed by law enforcement, calls the club a “community center,” as much as it is a night-time entertainment spot.
“It’s the go-to place for a number of political rallies and community meetings,” Peduto says.
“They were one of the first people to move into the commercial core,” says Maggie Graham, ELDI’s communications director. “Justin, when he opened Shadow, he believed in the neighborhood and saw the possibility here.”
He wasn’t the only one: Then-Mayor Tom Murphy enticed a Home Depot a few blocks away, and in the years since Strong opened his doors, others have recognized possibilities in East Liberty as well. National retailers such as Home Depot, Whole Foods and Target have moved into the surrounding area. Upscale restaurants, such as Spoon, opened around the corner. Across the street, construction is underway on one of two separate mixed-use developments, slated to open in 2013.
Perhaps inevitably, such interest has stoked fear of gentrification — concern that the black-owned businesses which previously occupied the area might be priced out of it. Ogbonna Moses Onwubiko, for one, suspects that the renovation of the Highland Building, also across the street, may have something to do with the Shadow Lounge complaints. A group led by Walnut Capital Partners is rehabbing the structure to create 127 new apartments and 6,000 square feet of new retail space along Highland Avenue.
“People like us, they don’t want us around,” says Onwubiko, owner of the Global Food Market on Highland Avenue. He says he feels sorry for Strong, who caters to an ethnically diverse crowd. The developers, he says, are “trying to protect their investment.”
But Gregg Perelman, the managing partner of Walnut Capital, says he’s not to blame for the complaints.
“I’m not worried about [the club] today. We’re not going to be occupying the building until next spring,” Perelman says. “I will be worried about it if it disturbs my tenants. But I won’t know about that until later.”
Neighborhood institutions say Walnut — whose president, Todd Reidbord, serves on the city’s planning commission — has little to worry about.
“We’ve found them to be a very good neighbor,” says Pam Kimmel, business manager at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church, which occupies the other side of Baum Boulevard from Shadow Lounge.
Bob Pressley, a security guard who works second shift at the church, says he’s been keeping an eye on things for about eight years.
“They laugh, talk a little bit loud. You may hear a little bit of noise,” he says. But, “I’ve never seen any problems over there.”
Nate Cunningham, ELDI’s director of real estate, is overseeing another redevelopment project in the 6000 block of Penn Avenue that will create 56 new apartments, as well as space for a movie theater and another restaurant. He says he would be surprised if anyone looked on Shadow Lounge as a bad neighbor.
“I’m a little flabbergasted, to be honest with you,” he says of the complaints. He calls the Shadow Lounge “a key part of the neighborhood.”
The complaint received by the state police Liquor Control Enforcement would have resulted in an undercover investigation to see if music could be heard past the property line, says Liquor Control Enforcement Officer Daniel Beckey.
If it had, a citation would have been issued. As of mid-August, Strong says he hasn’t received notice of any citations.
Mary Fleming, BBI assistant director, says the department’s records show that although Strong may have received zoning-board approval in 2005 to change his property’s designation from that of a limited restaurant to that of a general restaurant (permitting live entertainment), he may not have finished the process by paying the fees for the occupancy permit to be officially issued.
She says BBI plans to work with him to get the issue resolved, and has no interest in shutting him down for such an oversight. She says the department has not had any other problems with the club.
In theory, the complaints, if they continue, could lead to the attention of the Nuisance Property Task Force, a joint effort by the city and Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office. But both Pittsburgh Police Commander Cheryl Doubt, who oversees nuisance properties, and Mike Manko, spokesman for the District Attorney’s Office, said the Shadow Lounge is not on anyone’s radar.
Peduto says he is not aware of any developing tensions between the club and others in the neighborhood.
“It would be a shame to see the success [Strong] hoped to build to be a reason for others to force him out,” Peduto says.
Strong says he’s doing what he can to address BBI’s concerns and keep his i’s dotted and his t’s crossed. He says he is considering re-arranging space in the Ava Lounge part of the Shadow complex, which fronts Highland Avenue, and adding noise-reduction curtains. He is also working with the BBI to figure out what zoning issues may need to be addressed.
The Shadow Lounge, he says, is a one-of-a-kind venue for local artists, one he intends to keep going as the neighborhood evolves.
“I’m going to take advantage of what’s happening,” he says. “If they’ll let me.”
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of Gregg Perelman.
This article appears in Aug 22-28, 2012.
“Neither Strong nor his landlord, Eve Picker — co-founder of the nonprofit cityLab, an organization involved in urban-planning issues — knows for sure the source of the complaints. ” This is why it is so important to have the right to face the person who is accusing you of a crime. No real defense can ever be given unless you also have the right to face your accuser or to have evidence of an individual or individual victims. No victim = no crime. Anything else has to involve a conflict of interest on the part of the State. Is is just another case of crony-capitalism.
I was going to say the same THING! You have a right to your accuser. This is a bunch of mularky! They’re not worried….I think it IS an issue that needs to be addressed though. Why target the black owned businesses? Everyone surrounding that business states that their “good neighbors.” It’s a “key part of the community.” It was a beginning for me as a poet & people should leave it alone.
“”I’m not worried about [the club] today. We’re not going to be occupying the building until next spring,” Perlman says. “I will be worried about it if it disturbs my tenants. But I won’t know about that until later.””
That quote strikes me as awfully distant and noncommittal, as though he’s preparing now to be bothered at a more appropriate time. The Shadow Lounge is no underground secret, it has been the life of that corridor for over a decade. As an experienced East Liberty developer he would know all about it already. And he certainly isn’t suggesting that he is making investments in the Highland Building in part *because* of the conspicuous atmosphere generated by the Lounge and its patrons.
Justin and the Shadow Lounge/AVA have been an amazing pillar of the community. The women of Propelle are indebted to Justin, and his generosity for allowing us to convene in his space. Amazing networking and partnerships are happening because of him that are benefiting the WHOLE of Pittsburgh.
The Shadow lounge is more than a spot for music & entertainment. It works as support for positive creative life. The community that was there when I first went on stage during open mic night years and years ago was so incredibly, continually, supportive and it still is. “East End” is graced by it’s presence and the diverse talent that comes through! I work in the East End and it is odd that the open window/doors of Brgr, Shadow Lounge’s neighbor, where music goes right onto the street has never been complained about. ‘White’ is that about?
I go to The Shadow Lounge often. This is outrageous! I have routinely worn earplugs to live music throughout the city, but have NEVER needed those at Shadow, and I sit close to the stage when I can. I have NEVER seen anyone drunk and unruly. The crowd is artistic and respectful. Shadow Lounge’s various offerings are as excellent value as anywhere I have been. Caveat: I am 64 years of age and do not drink or use drugs.
shame on this pathetic city
shame on this city
It’s also interesting that Shadow’s neighbors – the Waffle Shop AND the Conflict Kitchen are both relocating from this neighborhood that they thrive in…
I got money on Walnut Capital behind this. And I don’t like that there has to be an “undercover investigation to see if music could be heard past the property line” as a result of One anonymous complaint. This is not the cold war. This is an American business. Why so cloak and dagger? If you have an issue, act like a grown up and call Justin. I’ve never met anyone he hasn’t treated with respect over this venture.
This is exactly why I left Pittsburgh and ENCOURAGE others to do the same. Anything good and positive is KILLED in the city. PATHETIC! This will definitely help with the continued negative population growth in the area. Good job in increasing the taxes for the elderly population who will be the only ones left to support this dying city and region!
If the city wants to be serious about enforcing the noise ordinances, an officer should take a stroll through lower Frick Park or Highland Park any summer weekend. The recorded music coming from those groves has to exceed what the law specifies. I’m thinking the Shadow Lounge has nothing on these spots.
Are you kidding???? Shadow Lounge and Ava are one of the few truly interesting places to go at night in this city! And no, I do not count the casino as one of those places. With Shadow Lounge and Ava, Justin has brought an urban, progressive, diverse venue to the city. East Liberty IS booming. And we have Justin to thank for being one of the pioneers of that.
It’s a shame to hear that this place is being considered a disturbance or that they’re scrutinizing its level of credibility. I’m among a large population that appreciates what Justin has been doing for the past 12 years. I love to see what the Shadow Lounge has grown to be – out of hard work and determination. I know that his commitment to the corridor and his long term vision to create a venue for diverse artistic talents shouldn’t be overlooked, but used as an example. I believe that these complaints will amount to nothing, but if they continue, there’s a lot of support out there to keep the vision a strong, independent and a vital part of the artistic scene. It’s a venue I don’t get to enough.
Just deleted a comment for running afoul of our comments policy, which can be found here: http://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/Com…
Just as a reminder: As the story notes, it’s unclear where these complaints originated, as that information is confidential. And Walnut Capital denies being the source of any complaints.
I love the Shadow Lounge.The ambiance,the music,poetry. Personally,I don’t drink,and I’ve noticed,they react quickly to anyone who is drunk and annoying! Shame on anyone that is making trouble for this wonderful,establisment,for creative people!
Awe. I love Shadow Lounge and I love Justin for creating it. The presence of Shadow Lounge really increases room for diversity in East Liberty. I’m sorry that Shadow Lounge and Justin have been the target of these anonymous complaints. It’s hard to feel like this comes from anything other than pro-racist ideology that supports only upper income white people. That is painful and my hope is that East Liberty as a community will reject that approach to life. Thank you Justin and City Paper for addressing this publicly.
I rarely write comments on public sites. But this isn’t just an attack on the Shadow Lounge but all business that are Mom and Pops in the area. People think that if you have an anchor chain then things will change. Small business bring diversity not Big Business. There has been this plan in effect for a long time now that is on the surface and seen by all now that the planning was done. True crime and the streets did need cleaned up in the area. The people that own the property in the area knew this was coming years ago. The city left places to rot and go unsold so this Change could happen. You see the steps. The hill, garfield, lawenceville, garfield, the strip next is the Northside. How can these places all of a sudden get financial backing to change the area massively. It isn’t like people weren’t trying to open businesses or buy and fix up properties in these areas. Garfield is a prime example of property that for some reason is now a majority white in a majority black area. An example of a business is Pig & Chicken in east lib. There was a BBQ Business there doing what they are doin now but with less money and black owned. As with the case in all of these areas the landlords slowly raised rent and made it difficult to run the business due to nags by property owners and rent hikes. How is it that Maybe two employees are black and from what i’ve seen in the back of the House. How do you redevelop an area and not hire or give the people in that area an opportunity to own or run a business there themselves. Chains stores won’t save the area. A bulk of that money doesn’t stay in the area. It just so you can say we got that here too.
I’ve seen this happen in other cities it just late as with everything else to come to Pgh. The attack on the Shadow Lounge is and actually isn’t surprising. They are on Prime corner that they definately want. A place that they didn’t want 12 yrs. ago. the Shadow Lounge showed that even in the shadows people bring light and the shadows receed. alonge with Royal Carribean, Abay and Your Moms House recording studio, that has an Academy Award.
But there is another problem that needs fixed, start representing yr hoods business district, the good things about it. For some reason if you live in the hill you can’t go to this black hood. Or if yr from the northside you can’t go here or there. Without feeling truely safe. The younger generation usual uphold this in away form of black on black intimidation. We are a minority that is pushing away money for what. A place you are renting from. What you own the streets, but not yr homes. There has to be a change in thinking or this will happen again and again. Support yrselves or others will come in and support themselves. Even if by design, Make that design change.
If Perlman is worried about possible future noise disturbances, why did he choose that spot to build an apartment complex? Sounds like another case of a big powerful developer moving in and forcing everyone else to change what was good about a neighborhood (not that I’m saying he’s behind the noise complaints- but he could be a P.I.T.A. in the future because he invested in a location without bothering to research it first.).
A friend who had been at the shadow lounge a few weeks back said that they saw cops busting an illegal party in the building being renovated. Apparently kids had broken in and were blasting music. If they’ve done this a few times, it could be them creating the noise that is being blamed on the shadow lounge.
I doubt anyone has heard too much noise from the shadow lounge. I would go to their open mic nights and shows constantly a few years back and you couldn’t hear much outside. In all honesty, it would be good to have a business like them around there when the housing opens up. I would feel safer with an upstanding business open nightly there as it would be more eyes out on the street who could call the cops if they see someone up to no good.