Penguins’ former home gets reprieve from panel

January 6, 2011 at 8:45a.m.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Igloo could dodge the wrecking ball after all.

The former home of the Pittsburgh Penguins received preliminary approval as a historical structure from city preservation officials on Wednesday.

Pittsburgh’s Historic Review Commission voted 5-1 to advance the nomination of the Civic Arena. A formal hearing is scheduled for February 2.

Nine years ago the commission gave a similar petition preliminary approval but rejected it in a final vote.

The team and the arena’s owners oppose the petition, which was filed by a resident seeking to prevent the building’s demolition.

If the arena is leveled, the team plans a residential, office and commercial development for the site.

The Civic Arena closed last year when the Consol Energy Center opened.