Theme Building Needs $2.5 Million in Repairs
The landmark Theme Building sitting on giant arches at Los Angeles International Airport needs at least $2.5 million in repairs to keep crumbling stucco from falling on people below, airport officials say.
The distinctive 135-foot-high structure, dedicated in 1961 and housing the L.A. Encounter restaurant, has corrosion in metal mesh holding the stucco in place. Airport officials say the structural integrity is not threatened.
On Aug. 26. an 8-foot by 10-foot section of stucco fell off the underside of one of the four arches outside the restaurant’s panoramic window and crashed harmlessly onto a first-floor roof over the lobby, a deli and offices. More fell later during an inspection.
“We believe that this is an extremely serious situation and should be handled on an emergency basis because of public safety,” said an airport report to the Board of Airport Commissioners.
Airport executives want the board to waive competitive bidding today and give permission to hire a construction company. That decision would then go to the City Council.
Airport spokesman Scott Read said the problems have occurred several times, and now officials want to do thorough repairs rather than making patches.
The restaurant would remain open during construction.
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