Marilyn Monroe’s Home Designated Cultural Landmark, Saving It from Demolition
In a significant move to preserve a piece of Hollywood history, the Los Angeles City Council has voted unanimously to designate Marilyn Monroe’s final residence as a historic cultural monument. This decision effectively saves the iconic Brentwood home from demolition, ending a nearly year-long battle between preservationists and the current property owners.
The Spanish hacienda-style residence, located at 12305 West 5th Helena Drive, was purchased by real estate heiress Brinah Milstein and her husband, TV producer Roy Bank, for $8.35 million in July 2023. The couple, who also own the property next door, initially obtained a city permit to demolish Monroe’s home. However, the permit was later revoked, leading to a legal battle with the city.
Monroe, the legendary Hollywood actress, was found dead in this home in 1962 from a drug overdose. It is the only residence she ever owned independently, making it a significant part of her legacy. The house, built in the 1920s, has been a focal point for Monroe fans and historians alike.
Councilwoman Traci Park, who represents L.A.’s 11th District where the property is located, played a pivotal role in the preservation efforts. During the council meeting, Park emphasized the cultural and historical importance of the home, stating, “There is no other person or place in the city of Los Angeles as iconic as Marilyn Monroe and her Brentwood home.”
The council’s decision was initially scheduled for June 12 but was postponed to allow for further discussions with Milstein and Bank. The couple had filed a lawsuit against the city on May 6, seeking to block the monument designation. They argued that the home did not meet the criteria for a historic cultural monument and claimed that the city’s actions were illegal and unconstitutional.
In a tentative ruling on June 6, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James Chalfant sided with the city, stating that the property owners would not suffer irreparable harm since the council would address the matter. Chalfant described the couple’s motion as an “ill-disguised attempt to win so that they can demolish the home and eliminate the historic cultural monument issue.”
Preservationists and supporters, including the Los Angeles Conservancy, have long advocated for the home’s designation as a historic cultural landmark. The nonprofit organization, dedicated to protecting historical landmarks, urged concerned citizens to attend the council meeting to support the designation. The group highlighted that Monroe’s final home was identified as potentially historic by the City’s SurveyLA program in 2013 but remained unprotected.
Before the council’s vote, the residence had already received approval from the Cultural Heritage Commission and the city council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Despite the couple’s claims that the home had been significantly altered over the years, the council determined that its historical significance warranted preservation.
In her speech before the vote, Park underscored the broader implications of the decision, noting that less than 3% of historic designations in Los Angeles are associated with women’s heritage. “To lose this piece of history, the only home Marilyn Monroe ever owned, would be a devastating blow for historic preservation,” she said.
Park also addressed concerns from nearby residents about increased traffic and safety issues due to the home’s landmark status. She introduced a motion to evaluate tour bus restrictions on the street and surrounding areas, aiming to balance preservation efforts with community concerns.
The Los Angeles Conservancy celebrated the council’s decision, calling it a “success” and proof that community advocacy works. The organization thanked Park and her team for their efforts in preserving the home.
The Brentwood bungalow, built in 1929, holds a special place in Hollywood history. Monroe purchased the home for $75,000 in 1962, just months before her tragic death. Despite the current owners’ plans to demolish the property to expand their adjacent estate, the council’s decision ensures that the home will remain a protected cultural landmark.
Milstein and Bank have expressed their dissatisfaction with the council’s decision, arguing that the home has been remodeled so extensively that it no longer reflects Monroe’s time there. They also claimed that the designation process was biased and unconstitutional. However, the council’s unanimous vote and the support from preservationists indicate a strong commitment to preserving Monroe’s legacy.
In response to the vote, Milstein’s attorney, Peter C. Sheridan, released a statement criticizing Councilwoman Park and the designation process. He claimed that Park and her staff had not worked closely with the property owners to find a solution and accused the council of disregarding the interests of local residents.
Despite the controversy, the council’s decision marks a significant victory for historic preservation in Los Angeles. Monroe’s Brentwood home will now be protected, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its cultural and historical significance.
As the city moves forward with the landmark designation, efforts will continue to address community concerns and explore potential solutions for public access to the home. For now, the preservation of Marilyn Monroe’s final residence stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures.
Source: KCAL News, CBS News, CNN, Variety
