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The Theme Restaurant Building has been virtually synonymous with LAX since it opened in 1961. In 2001, the rooftop observation deck was closed in reaction to the September 11th terrorist attacks in the US, and in early 2007, when a hefty piece of plaster fell down as patrons ate nearby, the landmark building was closed for renovations.Now, as the "web of scaffolding surrounding the Theme Building is slowly disappearing," from the exterior, we can look forward to the building re-emerging in fall, when the "ongoing $15.2 million effort to shore up the iconic structure," is finally completed, according to the Daily Breeze.
Part of what has taken so long is to conduct the renovation without altering the structure, which is stipulated in its 1992 designation as a City cultural and historic monument. Getting the steel installed inside the main column has "posed a challenge" to crews working to make the building earthquake-safe. The support system suffered years of damage "likely caused by water that seeped past the plaster seams." Come fall, patrons won't see the new steel for themselves, but they can appreciate the new stucco, ventilation system, and the long-awaited re-opening of the observation deck.
