The high cost of keeping LAX in style

The bill to repair and restore the space-age Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport continues to grow. On Monday, the Board of Airport Commissioners approved a $9.3 million contract to apply a new stucco skin to the structure's steel legs. The most recent expenditure means LAX will have spent about $15 million on repairs since chunks of the original plaster exterior began to fall from the building, which houses a restaurant and lounge, reports the Daily Breeze.

One commissioner questioned spending so much money on a  building "that does not have much of a function." But another defended the Theme Building for providing LAX something it sorely lacks:

"We have kind of a boring-looking airport," said Airport Commissioner Valeria Velasco. "The Theme Building gives us some character."

-- Jesus Sanchez

Photo credit: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times