The Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted on Wednesday to designate actress Marilyn Monroe‘s former home as a historical landmark, effectively preventing its demolition. This decision concludes a protracted battle between the council and the owners of the property located in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood.
Roy Bank and Brinah Milstein, the neighboring couple who purchased the property in July 2023 for $8.35 million, had intended to demolish the house to expand their estate. They quickly obtained a demolition permit, but Councilmember Traci Park introduced a motion to protect the home by granting it landmark status. This motion received approval from both the Cultural Heritage Commission and the Planning and Land Use Management Committee.
“There’s no other person or place in the city of Los Angeles as iconic as Marilyn Monroe and her Brentwood home,” Park stated before the council vote. “To lose this piece of history, the only home that Monroe ever owned, would be a devastating blow for historic preservation.”
Marilyn Monroe purchased the Spanish Colonial-style home in 1962 for $75,000. It was the only residence she ever owned, and she tragically died there six months later from an apparent drug overdose. The home has since become a symbol of her legacy and Hollywood history.
In response to the council’s actions, Bank and Milstein filed a lawsuit against the city in May, claiming that the move to preserve the house was unconstitutional. A judge denied their request for an injunction to stop the historical designation, and a trial-setting conference for the pending lawsuit is scheduled for August 13.
The decision to designate Monroe’s former home as a historical landmark underscores the city’s commitment to preserving its cultural and historical heritage. The home is now protected from demolition, ensuring that this iconic piece of history remains intact for future generations.
This landmark status not only honors Marilyn Monroe’s memory but also highlights the importance of preserving sites that hold significant historical and cultural value. The decision has been welcomed by many who view the home as a vital part of Los Angeles’ rich history and Monroe’s enduring legacy.
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