Cracks in building force state store to close for now

Officials hope to reopen nearby

The wine and spirits store at 3845 Northern Pike in Monroeville is closed until further notice because of structural issues with the building in which it is located.

The Fine Wine and Good Spirits Premium Collection store has been closed since Dec. 11 after employees noticed several cracks in the building.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is looking for space in the same general area to temporarily house a store.

The structural issues are caused by an unstable abandoned mine under the building, according to the building’s landlord.

“The [state Department of Environmental Protection] has been great,” said Craig Cozza, owner of Cozza Enterprises, which owns the building.

“Their mine subsidence guys are all over it. They’re moving very quickly, which is great.”

Mr. Cozza said the state is putting the project out to bid and that work on fixing the building should start soon.

He explained that after a contractor is chosen, workers will drill holes all the way around the outside of the building and shoot lightweight concrete into the holes to fill the mine voids under the building.

Mr. Cozza said after the building is stabilized, mine subsidence experts will determine what needs to be done to repair the building.

The entire project is on track to be completed in January, he said.

After the building is ready, he hopes the liquor store will move back in, he said.

The building also houses a dental office and a Five Guys restaurant, which remain open.