Marilyn Monroe’s former house in Los Angeles has been designated as a local historical landmark by the City Council after a lengthy battle to save it from demolition. The Spanish Colonial-style house where the iconic film star lived and passed away received unanimous support from the council in a 12 to 0 vote.
The decision to designate the property as a historical landmark was backed by the City Council’s land use management subcommittee and the city’s cultural heritage commission. Council member Traci Park, who proposed the landmark status, emphasized the importance of preserving the only home ever owned by Marilyn Monroe, stating that losing this piece of history would be a significant loss for historic preservation and women’s heritage in a city where less than 3% of historic designations are associated with women.
The four-bedroom house now joins a list of approximately 1,300 sites in Los Angeles recognized for their historical and cultural significance, with around 444 of them being private residences. The landmark status comes after a legal battle between the city and the owners of the property, Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank, who sought to prevent the historical designation through a lawsuit. Despite their efforts, the court denied their injunction request, and the lawsuit is still pending with a trial-setting conference scheduled for August 13.
The decision to designate Marilyn Monroe’s former home as a historical landmark highlights the city’s commitment to preserving its rich history and cultural heritage. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and protecting iconic properties that hold significance in the collective memory of a community. The preservation of such sites not only honors the legacy of influential figures like Marilyn Monroe but also contributes to the cultural identity and historical narrative of a city like Los Angeles.