Group Wants Mellon Appeal

A historic preservation group wants the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to hold an expedited hearing on whether the group has a right to stop the demolition of the Civic Arena, formerly home to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Preservation Pittsburgh is appealing U.S. District Judge David Cercone’s ruling that he has no jurisdiction to stop the demolition, but he gave the group 10 days _ which expired Thursday _ to appeal to the 3rd Circuit. The group did that and now wants the matter heard before the city-county Sports & Exhibition Authority has contractors start tearing down the building’s exterior next week.

Preservation Pittsburgh wants to save the 50-year-old building because of its unique, retractable, igloo-shaped dome and have it used for another purpose.

It wasn’t immediately clear when or if the appeals court will hear the case.