A Los Angeles judge has denied a couple's request to demolish Marilyn Monroe's former home in Brentwood, which the city has designated a historic cultural monument. The ruling on Tuesday by Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant prevents Brinah Milstein and her husband, producer Roy Bank, from tearing down the property at 12305 West Fifth Helena Drive.
The couple purchased the residence in July 2023 for $8.35 million and had obtained a demolition permit, intending to expand their adjacent home. However, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to designate the property as a historic cultural monument, following a recommendation from the city's Cultural Heritage Commission.
Councilwoman Traci Park, who represents the 11th District, said before the vote: 'We have an opportunity to do something today that should have been done 60 years ago. There is likely no woman in history or culture who captures the imagination of the public the way Marilyn Monroe did.' The home is where Monroe was found dead at age 36 in August 1962.
In court filings, the owners' attorney, Peter C. Sheridan, claimed the process was 'biased, unconstitutional and rigged,' stating that the owners had made 'countless attempts' to work with Park but were met with non-responsiveness. Judge Chalfant had earlier issued a tentative ruling in favour of the city, describing the owners' motion as an 'ill-disguised motion to win so that they can demolish the home.'
The city attorney's office noted that the public had inundated officials with calls and emails expressing dismay over the proposed demolition. Park also introduced a motion to evaluate tour bus restrictions on the street to address residents' privacy and safety concerns.
