City Council won’t step in to stop the demolition of the Civic Arena.
The proposed demolition of the Pittsburgh Civic Arena moved a step closer yesterday. After lengthy debate, the local council voted 6-3 today to reject a city historic designation for the 49-year-old landmark, all but sealing its fate.
Its decision allows the city-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority, the arena’s owner, to move forward with plans to demolish the structure with the retractable dome.
The SEA wants to clear the site to make way for a 28-acre residential, commercial, and office development proposed by the Penguins. The team won development rights over the land in the 2007 deal to build the new Consol Energy Center across the street from the arena.
Today’s decision is a defeat for local preservationists, led by architect Rob Pfaffmann, to protect the Igloo from the wrecking ball. They still may file a lawsuit in an effort to block the demolition.
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