First opened in September 2009, the Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center (SHUPAC) has led to increased revenues for nearby businesses, according to owners and managers of several establishments within the immediate vicinity of the building.
By Andrew Wichrowski
SHU Community News Editor
First opened in September 2009, the Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center (SHUPAC) has led to increased revenues for nearby businesses, according to owners and managers of several establishments within the immediate vicinity of the building.
Michelle Vucish, co-owner of Doe’s East Coast Dogs, cited SHUPAC as the main source of business for the restaurant, which serves hot dogs, hamburgers and other foods.
“Obviously it’s been wonderful for business, and that’s why we chose this location two and a half years ago,” Vucish said, “because we knew the Performing Arts Center was going to be built right across the street.”
While Doe’s East Coast Dogs attracts customers from Greensburg and the surrounding area, Vucish describes her customer base as “primarily” Seton Hill students.
“We’ve catered to them, and will continue to do so,” Vucish explained. “We try to keep our prices lower than anyone else for them.”
John Rullo, owner of the adjoining Rialto Café and Baldy’s Pizza, also cited an increase in the customer base to the restaurant and bar, which specializes in Italian/American food.
“From the time they started working on it, until now, we got a lot of construction workers in here,” said Rullo. “When they first opened the building we got a few lunches here and there, and when they have some performances we get a few dinners out of it.”
SHUPAC does not provide any kind of on-site dining for students, and Vucish noted that SHU students have been asking for a way to use their current method of charging meals at the school’s cafeteria at her restaurant.
“We are trying to get a system made up that students can swipe a card and money goes directly out of their account, so they can eat like a meal plan,” Vusich said.
“Because a lot of them are stuck here all day and can’t get back up to the hill to SHU’s main campus.”
Tony Sachs, restaurant manager for The Red Star Agave Grill, said that while the restaurant has seen regular business from the SHU faculty during lunchtime hours, he noted that there is little change in business on the dates of performances and shows at SHUPAC.
“We just haven’t seen the increase in business we were hoping for,” Sachs said.
The Red Star Agave Grill, which specializes in Mexican food and micro-brewed beer made on-site, had been particularly effected by the construction of SHUPAC.
“Anybody who knew the area avoided [this area], especially over the past summer,” he said.
In the area surrounding the building, located in Greensburg’s Downtown Cultural Center, there are four restaurants, a newsstand, and a liquor store, all within walking distance, without the need to cross the area’s main roadway, W. Otterman St.
SHUPAC, located in downtown Greensburg’s Cultural District, is the product of a two-year, $21 million effort to expand SHU’s Music and Performing Arts programs and increase SHU’s presence in the local community. According to SHU’s website, SHUPAC provides “complete performance, support, and academic space for the programs of music and theatre.”
Sachs described the building as “gorgeous”, and Rullo noted that he appreciated the gesture made by SHU to the local community.
“I think it’s a good thing for the city,” Rullo said. “It would be nice if [SHU] would move more buildings, more of their departments down here into the city.”
Other SHU facilities located in the downtown Greensburg community include The Seton Hill University Center for Family Therapy and the Seton Hill University Visual Arts Center.
The local business owners were not reserved in their praise of SHU faculty and students either.
“Everyone I’ve dealt with down there has been great to deal with. I haven’t had any problems,” Rullo said.
“Needless to say, they’ve been an absolute joy,” Vucish said. “We’ve gotten to know them, not only in business, but in a personal sense too.
We’re anxious for them to come back,” Vucish said.