Civic Arena Engineering & Innovated in Pittsburgh

Thanks to Rick Sebak and WQED

Civic Arena Adaptive Reuse

Goals:
Promote a sustainable reuse strategy for the historic Civic Arena
Demonstrate that sustainability and reuse of large structures can be an asset to planning, design and development. It will cost over $12 million just to demolish Civic Arena, without having built anything in its place. The term fix-it-first often applies to road and bridge infrastructure, but it also applies to buildings, especially those that can be anchors for new development.

The Civic Arena (now Mellon Arena) is a Pittsburgh landmark and an icon of our citys prowess in engineering and materials. It is a one-of-a-kind building in the world, and worthy of preservation and adaptive reuse.

Objective1: Develop a broader vision for the Lower Hill with the Arena as an anchor
•Imagine if this innovative structure of the 20th century were adapted to meet the needs of the 21st century Hill District and, of course, the region. As a unique destination, it could attract worldwide interest and generate new business and the revenue to maintain the character-defining structural shell. The reuse of obsolete sports facilities has precedent and similar ideas are being explored in Detroit for the old Tigers Stadium. Growing from the ashes of failed urban renewal, the Civic Arena could be an anchor for a sustainable urban plan that integrates with the new Consol Arena and the rebirth of the Hill.

Objective 2: Integrate advocacy for the reuse into civic engagement processes of the city and Hill.
•Identify and involve key stakeholders to explore the potential for this idea.
•Identify potential uses for the structure that are responsive both to market forces and community needs.
•Facilitate the integration of the concept for reuse into the URA and Hill process for a community wide master plan.

Objective 3: Advocate for and support a technical and economic/market feasibility study of the surrounding site to support a sustainable development concept.

Project Outcomes
•A pragmatic yet visionary plan that has the support of the community.
•The creation of a civic and cultural destination unique to Pittsburgh.
•A sustainable economic plan that can support business and job creation.
•An inspirational development that bridges the gap between downtown and Hill District development.

Time Frame
•Identification of feasible reuse: 2008-10
•Renovation and reuse: 2010-20

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Arena
• Architecture
• Pittsburgh
• Civic
• Mellon
• The
• Hill
• Penguins
• Dome
• Preservation
• Sustainability
• LEED
• ND

[stealth7usa]

If there is to be a park, then where do people park their cars to go to the new arena? 5000 more people than now. There was no place to park in the 70's until the Stadium authority bought the slums out where the parking lots are now. These guys have a dream, and that's all there is to it, a dream. No practical use to the building exists once the new building is running. Bye bye Civic Arena, it was nice knowing you. I spent many an evening there from 1969 and up, but it's time to go.

[pitcitywatcher]

@stealth7usa

Google my work and then see if you still think I am a dreamer (that's a compliment in the creative economy) good Architects not only dream they build!

[spazzingfangirl]

Everyone in Western PA needs to see this video.

[ramstones1]

I got to be in the arena when the roof was opened for a roller hockey game of all things

[funhistory]

After attending numerous rock concerts and hockey games in the early 80s, I had the thrill of seeing the dome open during a Henry Mancini concert. I had heard about it opening during a Boston rock concert in the late 70s, but had a tough time imagining what it would be like. As the architect said in this video, it was totally quiet. I even left my seat near the floor, and walked up to the concourse level to get as close as possible to the rollers. To see the skyline revealed - breathtaking!

[EyeOnTheTV]

...and it will be blown up for The Dark Knight Rises. Congrats, Pittsburgh.

[MISSMADONNA2012]

NEEDS TO BE SAVED AS A PITTSBURGH HISTORICAL LANDMARK.WE NEED TO SAVE OUR OLD STRUCTURES NOT DESTROY THEM.IF THERE'S NO PARKING EVER HEARD OF PARKING GARAGES 10 OR MORE STORIES HIGH???SAVE IT LONG LIVE THE STEEL DOME OF PITTSBURGH SKYLINE.

CHEERS

M

[stealth7usa]

Will there be any buses available at 3 AM to McKeesport?

[godie1991]

@stealth7usa People need to get off their lazy ass's AND WALK! My grandparents ALWAYS park a good twenty minute walk from Heinz Field becase its cheaper. There are tons of lots and garages by PNC park and Heinz Field, plus alot of students walk from Duquesne. Also, If you live in Mckeesport or somewhere near pittsburgh, spend 2.75 on a bus. There is a stop RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET and 2.75 is cheaper than the parking anyway! The Civic Arena is to historic of a building to just demolish!

[stealth7usa]

@CrazyMacHarris99 I too had a dream of seeing a MLS franchise in Pittsburgh. Am I the only one who remembers Rooney saying, "If you build me a new stadium, I will bring in an MLS franchise."

[stealth7usa]

@chasblkgold What is preventing restaurants and shops and such from opening now? 5 years ago, 10 years ago, 20 years ago?

[stealth7usa]

@pitcitywatcher Part of the architects job is parking. Where is that plan?

[stealth7usa]

@CrazyMacHarris99

When will these lots be ready for use?

OK, 2500 more cars in the area. Where do they go?