Demolition of the former St. Francis Central Hospital is expected to begin in earnest late this week or next week to make way for the new $290 million arena.

The contractor, Homrich Inc., of Carleton, Mich., has been mobilized by the city-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority and is doing set-up work at the site on Centre Avenue to prepare for the demolition, SEA Executive Director Mary Conturo said today.

Demolition is expected to take four months to complete, clearing the way for a spring groundbreaking for the arena, which will serve as the new home of the Penguins. The demolition of the 10-story hospital will be done using conventional equipment, most likely an ultra-high reach excavator as well as other excavators to take apart lower parts of the building. The SEA said it found no cost or time savings that would justify implosion of the building.

The hospital will be the 13th and largest building removed to make way for the arena. Homrich was awarded an $868,000 contract to do the work. The SEA is still trying to secure one last piece for the arena project -- the Beth Hamedrash Hagodol-Beth Jacob Synagogue on Colwell Street. Ms. Conturo said talks are ongoing but no final agreement has been reached.