Arena Preservationists: Give it up it's coming down! (Pittsburgh: condos, townhomes)

[nuwaver88]

I remember taking a logic class in high school way back when. One thing that I learned that there is no use in arguing about things that we have no control over. I wish that people who feel that Mellon Arena should be saved from the wrecking ball would apply this same logic.
Let's face it, there are plans already in place to develop this site. Mellon Arena itself sits right in the middle of this twenty-eight acre site. It does not sit in the background, or on the fringes. It is right in the middle.
My logic tells me that since chances in preserving it are slim and none, why put the ambitious ten year plan on the back burner or tie it up in litigation and delay the project when preserving it is a pie in the sky idea?
Oh, I have heard the arguments "It is such a unique building" blah blah blah. "Mario Lemieux played there" "Bruno Sammartino pinned the Masked Marvel there" etc. etc. Look, a lot of cities had great venues with great memories that were in the way of progress. Memories are for the mind. Sometimes you have to give in and roll with the changes. It is ultimately coming down, so let's move on sooner rather than later.

[Love2Golf09]

Originally Posted by nuwaver88

I remember taking a logic class in high school way back when. One thing that I learned that there is no use in arguing about things that we have no control over. I wish that people who feel that Mellon Arena should be saved from the wrecking ball would apply this same logic.
Let's face it, there are plans already in place to develop this site. Mellon Arena itself sits right in the middle of this twenty-eight acre site. It does not sit in the background, or on the fringes. It is right in the middle.
My logic tells me that since chances in preserving it are slim and none, why put the ambitious ten year plan on the back burner or tie it up in litigation and delay the project when preserving it is a pie in the sky idea?
Oh, I have heard the arguments "It is such a unique building" blah blah blah. "Mario Lemieux played there" "Bruno Sammartino pinned the Masked Marvel there" etc. etc. Look, a lot of cities had great venues with great memories that were in the way of progress. Memories are for the mind. Sometimes you have to give in and roll with the changes. It is ultimately coming down, so let's move on sooner rather than later.

From what I hear, the people that really want Mellon Arena to stay only care about it because they fear that a private company will develop the area with stores, sports bars, apts, townhomes, and condos, which will allow rich, white people to move in and change the demographics of the area. Not saying that's correct, but I've been told that by several people that have been to these meetings and talked with these groups that want to keep Mellon. Some of them, I'm told, want to keep the Hill the way it is, if they can't bring it back to what it was prior to the Civic Arena. They're Hell-bent on not being squeezed over of the 'hood even more. They're making a stand, but I don't think many people care. It's coming down.

[creepsinc]

I like the idea of preserving a one-of-a-kind building and using it for indoor gardens, but you're probably right. Better to have a Marriot Express and another Starbucks.

[DaBurgh]

Tear down, the city does not need / can not afford the expense of running it

[Craziaskowboi]

In order to restore the original street grid, the old arena must go.

[Eng48ine]

I think this says it best anyways:

BackTeching: Funeral For A Friend (http://www.backteching.com/2010/05/funeral-for-friend.html - broken link)



Funeral For A Friend (http://www.backteching.com/2010/05/funeral-for-friend.html - broken link)

Thursday, May 13, 2010
Dear Mellon Arena,

While these next few words pain me to write, please understand that I do it with the utmost respect and admiration: you're dead to me.

I know that sounds harsh, but really that's the way it has to be. We've been friends for a long, long, time. I'd call you my home away from home these last 11 years, but to be honest we both know that I probably spent more time under your roof than I did at my own house.

We've been through a lot together, and you'll always hold a special place in my heart. But this is goodbye. It makes you no less special and the memories will not be diminished. But it's time to move on.

Moderator cut: shortened, copyright protection

[stevo6]

[I like the idea of preserving a one-of-a-kind building and using it for indoor gardens, but you're probably right. Better to have a Marriot Express and another Starbucks.]

In this case I agree with the OP. Unless a developer can step up with an idea that will make some profit, there is no chance this building gets re-purposed. All these ideas about markets, parks, and bandshells can only work with a huge government investment, and there isn't that kind of money. This isn't the Colliseum; we need to let it go.

[greg42]

I'm okay with it going as long as something useful and worthwhile is put up in its place SOON. Are you guys all for it coming down if the only thing there for the next 5-10 years or longer is a parking lot (or empty lot), plus the street grid reconnected? That's what I foresee happening. I'll be happy to be proven wrong.

[DaBurgh]

Originally Posted by greg42

I'm okay with it going as long as something useful and worthwhile is put up in its place SOON. Are you guys all for it coming down if the only thing there for the next 5-10 years or longer is a parking lot (or empty lot), plus the street grid reconnected? That's what I foresee happening. I'll be happy to be proven wrong.

Yes

[Impala26]

I am actually fine with it coming down if somehow that parts of the external structure were disassembled in pieces and reconstructed elsewhere. I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that some suburban office owner wanted to do just this.

I echo Greg's sentiments however. The North Side was acres of parking lots for decades until just in the last several years or so we're actually seeing development. Pittsburgh is not a boom town, so don't expect the arena site to redeveloped quickly.

Originally Posted by Love2Golf09

From what I hear, the people that really want Mellon Arena to stay only care about it because they fear that a private company will develop the area with stores, sports bars, apts, townhomes, and condos, which will allow rich, white people to move in and change the demographics of the area. Not saying that's correct, but I've been told that by several people that have been to these meetings and talked with these groups that want to keep Mellon. Some of them, I'm told, want to keep the Hill the way it is, if they can't bring it back to what it was prior to the Civic Arena. They're Hell-bent on not being squeezed over of the 'hood even more. They're making a stand, but I don't think many people care. It's coming down.

Welcome to the late twentieth century debate about gentrification my friend.