The city-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority kicked off a process today to consider potential reuses for Mellon Arena, saying its demolition is not a foregone conclusion.

Because Mellon Arena is eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the SEA must consider possible alternative uses to comply with the state History Code.

Ray Maginness, project manager for Michael Baker Jr. Inc., hired to oversee the process, said the arena's demolition is one alternative that will be considered over the next six months.

But he added that other alternatives would be considered as well, including possible reuses of the distinctive building.

The SEA is serious about looking at alternatives even though an agreement reached with the Penguins calls for the arena's demolition, Executive Director Mary Conturo said.

"From our understanding of the development needs of the building, that was the alternative we thought was the only feasible alternative. This process will open it to other alternatives," she said.

Architect Rob Pfaffmann, who is pitching a plan to reuse the Igloo, said he hopes the process will give him a venue to advance his ideas. But he expressed some skepticism about statements that alternatives to demolition would be seriously considered.

"The process obligates them to say that. Otherwise it's a sham," he said.

The process will result in a recommendation to the SEA, which has the right to accept or reject it.

First Published: January 19, 2010, 6:00 p.m.