The Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted on Wednesday to designate the former home of actress Marilyn Monroe as a historical landmark, preventing the demolition of the house where the Hollywood legend passed away. This decision comes after months of conflict between the council and the property's owners located in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood. City Councilmember Tracy Park stated, "No one or place in Los Angeles has more fame and significance than Marilyn Monroe and her home in Brentwood." She added, "A number of Monroe's most famous photos were taken in this house and by its swimming pool," noting that "Marilyn tragically died here, forever linking her to this place."
In July 2023, neighboring couple Roy Bank and Brina Milstein purchased the property for $8.35 million with plans to demolish the house to expand their own property, according to the Los Angeles Times. The hidden home was where the star's body was found just six months after she moved in, from a drug overdose. She was only 36 years old.
Since Monroe's death, the ownership of the property has changed hands many times. However, controversy arose last year when it was bought by Americans Brina Milstein and Roy Bank. The couple, who own a nearby home, acquired the property for $8.35 million, with plans to demolish it for expansion. But city authorities quickly revoked the demolition permit due to the historical status of the site.
This decision prompted the new owners to bring the matter to court, which has yet to deliver a ruling. While the designation of the house as a historical landmark does not outright prevent its demolition, it enforces a stringent review by the city’s heritage commission. The couple has suggested relocating the house to make it accessible for Monroe fans, a proposal that is still under consideration, according to Park.
