New Neighborhood

CAA, you're not in Beverly Hills anymore.

On first glance, the "premiere" party of 2000 Avenue of the Stars on Thursday night was perfectly suited to its marquee tenant, CAA.  Two white clothed avant-guard models swayed to a live band while caterers ushered canapés and bubbly to and fro.

But on closer inspection, one noticed a decided lack of denim and many more suits than at regular industry events. In fact, few agents or even new tenants roamed the glistening halls, but financiers, realtors, architects and politicians, including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa abounded.

Then there was the small talk. One curious banker asked, "What is Variety?" While another young buck, gleefully informed me, "There's a modeling agency upstairs." Outside a group of older gentleman touted the buildings proximity to Los Angeles Country Club.

You can take the agency out of the city but can you take the city out of the agency? Probably not, but when the dust settles CAA culture is bound to energize the building. And won't those bankers be surprised when they figure out just who that agency upstairs represents. (L. Repstad)