Squashed Mellon

Penguins' arena not designated as a historic landmark

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- A city review board voted Wednesday against designating Mellon Arena a historic landmark, leaving the Pittsburgh Penguins with one less obstacle in their bid to build a new arena.

The 4-3 vote by the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission marks a victory for the NHL team, which is looking to build a $270 million arena. Historic status for Mellon Arena would have prevented the igloo-shaped building from alteration or demolition for about eight months.

The commission's move surprised preservationists by going against its own staff, which recommended designating the 41-year-old building a historic landmark based on the unique architectural style, cultural significance and innovation in urban planning.

"Obviously, this in an indicator that people don't get it yet," said Robert Pfaffmann, vice president of Preservation Pittsburgh.

Telephone messages left by The Associated Press for the Penguins and the Pittsburgh Sports & Exhibition Authority, which owns Mellon Arena, were not immediately returned Wednesday.

Preservation Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Association sought the historic designation in May as a way for the public to weigh in on all possible uses of the structure.

Pfaffmann says he prefers renovating the arena, which the team has said is not feasible.

Preservationists still have the opportunity to plead their case before the city planning commission as well as city council. However, it will take at least six votes on the nine-member council, rather than a majority, to win a historic designation since the Historic Review Commission voted down the designation, said commission chairman John DeSantis.

Last month, the SEA announced financing plans for the new arena, proposed on the site of a former hospital across the street from Mellon Arena, next to Pittsburgh's downtown. The Penguins want to raze Mellon Arena, so the new rink can be part of a larger development including office buildings, stores, housing and a hotel.

Plans call for $108 million in private investment from the Penguins and other sources. The state is being asked to toss in about $90 million -- $30 million more than legislatures have set aside for a new Pittsburgh arena -- and the federal government would be asked to spend $11.57 million.

About $6.5 million would come from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority and interest payments.

The remaining $53.4 million would come through a bond issue made by the Regional Asset District, an agency that distributes money collected through Allegheny County's 1 percent sales tax.

 

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