Demolition crews continue work on stubborn Civic Arena
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Blow torches are used to help loosen a roof section of the Civic Arena that wouldn't budge Tuesday as part of the ongoing demolition of the 51-year-old structure.
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The Civic Arena isn't going down without a fight.
Crews will try again today to bring down the second of eight roof leaves as part of the demolition of the 51-year-old building.
While the first panel came down without incident last weekend, the second one has proven to be much more stubborn, resisting attempts by contractor Noralco Corp. to remove it.
"The whole leaf is up there. There's a little bit damaged, but it's still up there," said Mike Barnard, project manager for Oxford Development Co., which is serving as representative for the city-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority, the arena owner.
Workers snapped cables Tuesday in an effort to pull down the leaf. They also used blow torches to make cuts in the panel to facilitate its fall, all to no avail.
Mr. Barnard said Noralco is considering "some additional strategic cuts" today in an effort to weaken the panel. It also is evaluating other ways to bring down the section.
Nobody has been hurt in the struggles.
When the work began, the contractor had anticipated that one panel a week would be removed.
Once the leaves are pulled down, they will be dismantled and hauled off the site. The demolition is expected to be completed this spring. The work is making way for a residential, office and commercial development proposed by the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team.
First Published February 1, 2012 12:00 am
