This is something that I’ve never blogged about before, but a few things bring this to my mind today in the context of my blog. I’ve been a member of the Facebook group “Save the Igloo,” and originally felt strongly that the Igloo was a unique structure that should be maintained and used for concerts and other uses. I remember as a kid being there with the dome open, in what was then called the Civic Arena. Over the past few months, I’ve come to realize there are diverse opinions, all valid on this issue.

Construction of the arena nearly half a century ago wiped out part of the lower Hill and essentially cut off the rest from Downtown.

“We recognize the uniqueness of the building, but we also recognize that it was inflicted upon the Hill District; and the residents have made it a principle of their new plan that it not be there,” Mr. Ziegler said. “We are interested in seeing if portions of it could be saved as a sculptural monument. But we think there is a great redevelopment opportunity in re-establishing the streets there reuniting the Hill with the city.”

On a post I write over the weekend, which has generated much discussion, a commenter  made a statement about the value of taking Pride out into a thriving neighborhood and out of, in her words, the Ghost town of Downtown. While I see her point, I also see the value in occupying (a word used by another commenter) downtown, as a way of demonstrating that we are here- everywhere- in the whole of Pittsburgh.

The above quote, reminds me how the city as space has on occasion, either intentionally or unintentionally, been used as a way to control communities and groups or people. Even when not intentional, how the space is used can have devastating impact upon real communities of people. How amazing could it be for the Hill District and the community that calls that neighborhood home, to have streets that reconnect it to the city again? Streets that allow a flow of life in and out of the neighborhood. It is kind of like being reconnected with an estranged partner or parent. The prodigal parent returns home after having neglected her child for almost 50 years?

Earlier this year, two GLBT groups made Downtown Pittsburgh their home when the GLCC moved their office to Grant Street and the Delta Foundation opened an office on First Ave. The Mayor, County Executive and many others praised these occupancies as testament to the place LGBT organizations and individuals have within Pittsburgh. Or to use this year’s Pride theme, You Belong. You belong in Pittsburgh. Yet, another commenter talked about the desire to walk hand in hand with her girlfriend in the neighborhood where she lives. This was a poignant comment for me, as my partner Brad and I do walk holding hands in our neighborhood. I can relate to how important that is- how good it feels- how much safety in being that out is important.

The question posed in the title of my post probably has no single answer. It is probably both good and bad to keep the Igloo as well as good and bad to tear it down and reconnect the severed Hill District. Just as there is no one right answer about where a Pride march ought to be. What do you think? How does space and the use of space impact communities in whatever way you think of that term?

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10159/1063881-28.stm#ixzz0qG3CYz2W

Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation weighs saving Mellon Arena.