( Updated Arena Pictures) The City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved the project development plan for the new multi-purpose arena that will serve as the future home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

New Arena Updated Pictures

“We’re very happy,” Penguins CEO Ken Sawyer told reporters after the commission voted unanimously for approval. “There are several stages to building the arena and this, certainly, is a very important one.”

During the presentation before the commission, HOK architect Wayne London also unveiled several night-time renderings of the new arena for the first time.

“The evening shots really show the story of the design,” Sawyer said.

The Penguins and HOK still must meet several conditions set forth by the commission and will work with the City Planning staff to accomplish those.

The project is on schedule to open in time for the start of the 2010 NHL season.