Marilyn Monroe's Final Home Designated Historic Monument, Saved from Demolition

On a recent historic Wednesday, June 26, the Los Angeles City Council made a momentous decision regarding the fate of Marilyn Monroe's final home, located at 12305 West 5th Helena Drive in Brentwood. The property owners, real estate heiress Brinah Milstein and TV producer Roy Bank, had sought to demolish the residence, but the council's vote has prevented this from happening.

Marilyn Monroe, an iconic figure of Hollywood's golden age, tragically passed away in the Spanish hacienda-style residence in 1962. The home, which dates back to the 1920s, is the only property that Monroe owned independently. The fight to preserve this piece of Hollywood history has garnered significant attention and support from preservationists and concerned citizens.

Legal Battle and Preservation Efforts

Milstein and Bank had initially obtained a permit to demolish the home, but the city later revoked this permit, leading to a legal battle. The couple sued the city of L.A. in an effort to proceed with the demolition, claiming that the home did not qualify for historic landmark designation. However, the Los Angeles Superior Court ultimately ruled in favor of preserving the residence, stating that the property owners would not suffer irreparable harm.

The Los Angeles Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting historical landmarks, played a pivotal role in advocating for the preservation of Monroe's final home. They called upon concerned citizens to attend the council meeting and support the designation of the residence as an official historic cultural landmark in L.A.

The Council's Decision

After making its way through the approval process, which included the Cultural Heritage Commission and the city council's Planning and Land Use Management Committee, the fate of the home hinged on the recent council vote. Councilwoman Traci Park emphasized the significance of preserving the property, stating that allowing its destruction would be "a devastating blow to historical preservation."

In the months leading up to her untimely death, Monroe expressed her love for the privacy that the home provided, highlighting its personal significance to her. This further underscores the importance of preserving the residence as a tangible connection to the legendary actress's life.

With the council's decision to designate Marilyn Monroe's final home as a historic cultural monument, the property will be safeguarded as a cherished piece of Hollywood's illustrious past. This victory for historical preservation serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Marilyn Monroe and the cultural significance of her Brentwood home.