The owners of the house where Marilyn Monroe last lived and died are taking legal action against the city of Los Angeles, claiming that the city engaged in “backroom machinations” to prevent the planned demolition of the historic property.
Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank, the current owners of the house at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive, filed a lawsuit in Superior Court in Los Angeles County, alleging that the city violated its own codes and conspired with third parties to rush the process of designating the house as a historic landmark last fall.
The house, where Marilyn Monroe lived from March 1962 until her tragic death in August of the same year, has become a symbol of Hollywood history and a pilgrimage site for fans of the iconic actress. Despite not being visible from the street, tourists often visit the property, leaving flowers and trying to catch a glimpse of the home.
The owners argue that the house has been significantly altered since Monroe’s time and that there is no physical evidence of her presence in the property. They purchased the house last July with plans to combine it with their adjacent property and expand their current home.
City records showed that a demolition permit had been issued for the property, including the main house, garage, pool house, and storage. However, the City Council voted unanimously to begin the process of designating the house as a historic landmark, putting a temporary halt to the demolition permit.
The owners fear that a historic designation would increase tourism on the private road where the house is located. They have offered to relocate the house to a more accessible location, with the support of Authentic Brands Group, which controls Marilyn Monroe’s estate.
A full City Council vote is expected this spring to finalize the designation, but the owners are hoping to regain their right to demolish the property. The Brentwood Community Council and several homeowners associations in the area oppose the designation and support relocating the house to a more suitable location.
