The Arizona Court of Appeals is prolonging an injunction preventing a construction company from demolishing the exterior of Phoenix's Chinese Cultural Center.

The three-judge panel granted a stay Thursday, reversing a lower court's order lifting restrictions on altering the plaza's iconic tile roof and prayer garden.

Attorneys for the owners of a restaurant in the commercial complex say the injunction will stay in place while their appeal continues, which could take as long as a year.

Preservationists and members of the Chinese community say the exterior should be preserved.

True North Companies has sought to carry out numerous renovations at the site.

The owners of a restaurant in the complex appealed the Dec. 1 decision, arguing that renovation plans would drive away customers.