Local News in Brief : Realtors File Suit

A Century City real estate firm is suing the former owners and sub-lessors of two Avenue of the Stars high-rises, alleging that they fraudulently concealed asbestos contamination at the buildings.

Rub Realty and Investment Co. Inc. filed suit in Santa Monica Superior Court against R&B; Commercial Management Co., the former owners of the buildings at 1900 and 1901 Avenue of the Stars, along with sub-lessors Kors, Marlar, Savage & Associates and RBCB Associates Ltd. Rub Realty is seeking $20 million in damages, as well as release from its lease.

Contamination of the premises has not been proven as yet by either side, and attorneys for Kors, Marlar, Savage & Associates deny its existence.

The current owner, Shuwa Investment Corp., which purchased the buildings late last year, declined comment. About 15,000 people work in the two buildings.