What was housed in the building before the Malcolm Shabazz Mosque was converted?

Before the Malcolm Shabazz Mosque became established, the building was previously home to the Lenox Casino. This historical venue was a significant location in Harlem during the early 20th century and was known for hosting various forms of entertainment and performances, particularly during the Harlem Renaissance. The transformation of the Lenox Casino into a mosque illustrates the shifting cultural and social dynamics of the neighborhood over time. This background allows for a better understanding of the community's development and the importance of the mosque within Harlem today.

Other options, while plausible in terms of the variety of businesses that can be found in urban settings, do not reflect the historical significance of the Lenox Casino and its role in the Harlem cultural scene before the establishment of the Malcolm Shabazz Mosque.