Marilyn Monroe’s Brentwood Home, Nearly Demolished Last Year, To Be Preserved By City

Marilyn Monroe Photo by Baron/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

A Los Angeles City commission today voted to preserve the former Brentwood home of Marilyn Monroe and recommended it be designated a historic-cultural monument after it was almost demolished last year at the request of the property owner. That demolition was stayed after an L.A. City Coucil vote triggered a temporary stay on all building permits while the matter is under consideration by the Cultural Heritage Commission and City Council.

The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission voted unanimously today to recommend a Historic Cultural Designation for 12305 Fifth Helena Drive, Marilyn Monroe’s former final home. Now the nomination will be reviewed by the LA Planning and Use Committee and then LA City Council. pic.twitter.com/EnfL2qOL5g

— Marilyn Remembered (@MMRemembered) January 18, 2024

Barry Milofsky, president of the commission, noted that while Monroe’s home should be preserved, efforts to do so should not wait until demolition is pending.

The L.A. City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee will take up the matter at a future date.

Last year, the City Council approved a same-day motion calling for the preservation of Monroe’s home from demolition by having it declared a historic-cultural monument, which Councilwoman Traci Park introduced pursuant to Rule 23 — a state law that allows immediate action on agenda items.

The Department of Building and Safety revoked demolition permits that had been approved, which would have resulted in the destruction of the 1920s- era home. Monroe purchased the Brentwood home in the early 1960s, where she died after an overdose in 1962 at the age of 36.

The Los Angeles Times previously reported that the property was purchased in 2017 for $7.25 million by Glory of the Snow LLC, which is managed by hedge fund manager Dan Lukas, then sold to Glory of the Snow Trust for $8.35 million earlier this year.

City News Service contributed to this report.