Threatened: Pittsburgh's Mellon Arena
By Kate Nickel | Online Only | Dec. 10. 2008
Pittsburgh's Mellon Arena, which opened in 1961, is the country's only freestanding retractable dome.
A five-year debate over a midcentury modern stadium rages on this month in Pittsburgh. City officials plan to demolish the old arena when a new one is completed.
Dedicated in 1961 as the Civic Arena, the Mellon Arena features a 300-ton motorized retractable roof. Despite its formidable design, the dome can be retracted to reveal the Pittsburgh sky in only two minutes, all without the help of any interior supports, no less. Architects all over the world consider "the Igloo" a prime example of post-war engineering and design. It has hosted performances by Elvis, the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles.
The new arena, which will be larger and more luxurious, is nearing completion on a close but separate site. The city plans to demolish the Mellon Arena only once the new one is open and ready for business. But so far, it appears the city has no specific development plans for the site. Why then, ask preservationists, must the owners destroy an international landmark of civic engineering and architectural design?
Since the main argument for demolition is the building's potential lack of use, preservationists are urging officials to consider the wide-range of ways they could reuse the space.
"Imagine our Civic Arena reborn as a cultural center, ethnic marketplace, nightclubs, housing, hotel, or any combination of new complementary uses," says Robert Pfaffman, architect and board member of Preservation Pittsburgh. "A proposed new Penguins arena that anchors Fifth Avenue redevelopment is a great opportunity if planned and designed properly. The reuse of the arena is not an either/or proposition; we can do both. The redevelopment of the arena can be a 'win-win' for the community, the region, and the Penguins."
Preservation Pittsburgh and other groups have also suggested turning the Mellon Arena into an African American Cultural Center and museum, or perhaps a hotel. The sea of parking lots surrounding the Igloo could be developed to include restaurants, hotels, shops, and nightclubs that would generate income.
Subscribe to the Today's News RSS feed
Comments
Submitted by PghHeritage at: October 30, 2009
The Civic Arena is uniquely Pittsburgh. The technology that built it is from Westinghouse and US Steel, among others. We should find an appropriate re-use for it. The Civic Arena was built around the same time as the St. Louis Arch and the Seattle Space Needle. It is historically relevant to the region, not just to Penguins fans. Let's celebrate this wonderful structure instead of tearing it down!
Submitted by Anonymous at: October 27, 2009
LET IT GO!!
Submitted by BREADMAN at: October 27, 2009
Pittsburgh's first renaissance was built with a vision of how this city could tell the world that we are relevant. "LOOK AT US." the second renaissance was a measure of economic stability in a city that continued to build for the future. This third renaissance takes us back to our first. It lets the world know how special we are..the people, our culture and architecture, and preservation of our past!...KEEP THIS UNIQUE and WONDERFUL STRUCTURE..for our future..
Submitted by worried at: October 21, 2009
People just do not understand that the area was NOT built for hockey. I love hockey, but it was built for the CLO, it was supposed to be amphitheater style. The jumbotron and extra lighting is the only reason the roof will not open. It has an amazing view of the city when it is open, it is ONE OF A KIND and should not be demolished. What a waste of the most unique building in the city. I am sickened by the thought of it being destroyed.
Submitted by Anonymous at: August 19, 2009
People always want to save old buildings but fail to realize the large costs involved. Who will pay to renovate and maintain the building. Also, I'm sure heating and cooling the building is extremely inefficient. Let it go!
Submitted by Reuse the Igloo at: August 16, 2009
http://www.popcitymedia.com/features/arena0812.aspx Anon 12/22/08: You have no idea what you are talking about: The arena is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most innovative structures of the 20th century. I know, I am an architect and planner specializing in rehab of historic structures and have done the research and can back it up. http://gallery.mac.com/robertpfaffmann2#100479 The arena was featured at an international conference in Rotterdam last Fall. As is often typical of current day Pittsburghers we dont have any vision!
Submitted by A Serious Penguin Fan at: August 2, 2009
how about instead of having it be demolished you could just have the arena be a iceskating rink or have it be for a younger leage to practice on
Submitted by John at: May 26, 2009
This area is too dense to realize what an architectural wonder we have in the arena. What does improperly frozen ice or poor lighting have to do with preserving it? It truly is one of a kind. I hope we wake up before it's too late.
Submitted by Anonymous at: December 22, 2008
Other than Pens fans, who cares? The building dates back to the late fifties and has no historic significance beyond hockey memories. It was a site of some great moments in sport but so was Boston Garden and Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, both of which are more historically storied. The building is a true eyesore and really is a dump. It is an embarrassment to the city of Pittsburgh and the NHL. Watching games from Mellon you can frequently see that the ice is not properly frozen and the lighting is horrible. Many teams complain that the dressing rooms are not up to league standards. It isn't fair to the visiting teams to have to play in a such a piece of junk. Pittsburgh is wise to FINALLY invest in a new building. Something that most teams did 10+ years ago. Crosby, the league's darling (pardon me while I throw up), shouldn't have to play in such a sub-par rink. Mellon Arena has always been an awkward NHL arena, considering that it was never intended to host hockey. It is also one of the reasons why I dislike the Pittsburgh Penguins so much. Glad to see that it will finally be gone!
Submitted by Anonymous at: December 18, 2008
If the structure is well maintained it should certainly be saved! I always hope for a new "renaissance" of cultural events in America. It could be that one day the demand for concert halls and auditoriums doubles from that of today. If this "renaissance" occurs, this stadium would be a perfect location for all sorts of cultural events and could become an even greater Pittsburgh icon. My particular fantasy in regards to historic preservation would be that this 1960's era stadium host '60s styled shows... '60's music, 60's retro fashion shows, '60s car shows, perhaps 1960's antique shows, etc. That's the sort of cultural rennaissance I fantasize about. But sadly this will almost certainly not happen.