I never gave much thought to the buildings in the middle of the LAX arrivals/departures traffic lanes.  You’ve got the parking garages, the USO and the random white spider, dome looking building.  What is that?

History

Once upon a time, in 1961 to be exact, the Theme Building opened at LAX .  It was supposed to be the center of the airport with all terminals branching off, but that plan was tossed.  Its main use was as a restaurant that rotated and a viewing platform on top.  To save it from demolition or alteration, the city of Los Angeles declared it a Historical-Cultural Monument in 1992.

9/11 initiated the building’s true swan song.  It turned out to be a security weakness for the airport.  Additionally, it had structural issues and had to have intense work done.  A half ton chunk of stucco falling into the restaurant (in 2007) is never a good thing.  Even with extensive retrofitting and renovation, the building permanently closed in 2013.

The Architect

My a-ha moment came when I found out that Paul R. Williams was one of the architects involved in the design of the building.  He was the first certified African American architect west of the Mississippi.  Also of note, he was the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects.  His architectural genius is on display at over 2,000 buildings in and around Los Angeles with the LAX Theme Building being one of them (in collaboration).  He also left his mark in certain spaces in the Beverly Hills Hotel…specifically the Polo Lounge and the Crescent Wing.  Even the signage.  I’ll touch on Beverly Hills this summer.

What’s Current

Currently the Theme Building houses the Bob Hope USO in the base of the building.  There’s chatter about reopening it in some capacity, but for now, enjoy the visuals.  They’ve got a “People Mover” tram being built which will take visitors from the terminals to parking lots, the public transportation facility (think Metro rail and bus) and the consolidated rental car facility.  You’ll be able to get a good eye level look at the Theme Building from the People Mover which is expected to open this year.

So there you have it…A little LAX history, some architect knowledge and some upcoming LAX news.  I personally hope that they reopen the Theme Building, at least the observation area.  Did the building ever cross your mind flying in or out of LAX?  If you see the building in a picture, does it immediately make you think of Los Angeles?

May the road rise to meet you and the wind be at your back,

Jae