The owners of the Brentwood, Los Angeles home where Marilyn Monroe died in 1962 have been blocked from demolishing it by city officials. The property, located at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive, was purchased in 2023 for approximately $8.35 million by a company managed by Brinah Milstein and her husband, reality TV producer Roy Bank.
Following the purchase, the owners sought a demolition permit, arguing the home was in poor condition and posed a safety risk. This move sparked immediate opposition from preservationists and the Los Angeles City Council. In September 2024, the council unanimously voted to initiate the process of designating the Spanish-style hacienda as a Historic-Cultural Monument, citing its strong association with the iconic actress's life and death.
The owners subsequently filed a lawsuit against the city in October 2024, challenging the landmark designation process. However, the city's Cultural Heritage Commission formally designated the home a Historic-Cultural Monument in late 2024, a decision that imposes a permanent stay on the demolition permit. The legal dispute between the owners and the City of Los Angeles remains ongoing.
