The Los Angeles City Council has officially declared the former Los Angeles residence of legendary actress Marilyn Monroe as a historic cultural monument, safeguarding it from demolition.
The unanimous decision, with a 12-0 vote, was spearheaded by Councilwoman Traci Park, who represents the 11th District where the property is located.
“We have an opportunity to do something today that should have been done 60 years ago,” Ms. Park said prior to the vote, according to the local Fox affiliate. “There is no other person or place in the city of Los Angeles as iconic as Marilyn Monroe and her Brentwood home.”
“Some of the most world-famous images ever taken of her were in that home, on those grounds and near her pool. Marilyn tragically died there — forever ties her in time and place to this very home,” Ms. Park said. “There is likely no woman in history or culture who captures the imagination of the public the way Marilyn Monroe did. Even all these years later, her story still resonates and inspires many of us today.”
The actress purchased the Spanish Colonial-style home on Helena Drive in 1962 for $75,000. It was the only home Monroe owned and where she spent her final days, passing away six months later.
The 2,900-square-foot estate in Brentwood features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, beamed ceilings, and terra-cotta tile floors. The backyard includes a large swimming pool surrounded by lush citrus trees and a manicured lawn.
The council’s decision follows a prolonged dispute with the current owners, Roy Bank and Brinah Milstein, who acquired the property in July 2023 for $8.35 million.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the couple planned to demolish Monroe’s former home to expand their estate after receiving a demolition permit.
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