Demolition delayed for Penguins’ former home

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Officials in Pittsburgh have approved plans to knock down the longtime home of the Pittsburgh Penguins but demolition is on hold while a petition to grant the arena historic status is reviewed.

The Pittsburgh Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday in favor of demolition for the Civic Arena. But immediately after the vote a resident filed a petition to have the 49-year-old structure designated as a historic building.

The petition is supported by two groups who want the arena left intact and reused. Pittsburgh’s Historic Review Commission and City Council would both have to approve the petition.

The Penguins have proposed replacing the arena with a mixed-use development.

The arena, affectionately dubbed the Igloo, closed earlier this year when the new Consol Energy Center opened.