Judge Halts Demolition Plans for Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood Home, Ruling in Favor of LA Officials
LA judge blocks demolition of Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood residence, aligning with City Council's vote to protect the iconic home.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant has put a stop to the demolition plans for Marilyn Monroe's only Los Angeles home, located in the Brentwood neighborhood. The ruling comes after a request from real estate investor Brinah Milstein and TV producer Roy Bank to demolish the Spanish-style house at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive was rejected by Judge Chalfant.
The move aligns with a City Council vote last year that protected the iconic home from demolition. The decision was made despite Milstein and Bank's purchase of the property in July 2023, with plans to demolish and rebuild a larger, modern home on the site.
The controversy surrounding Monroe's former residence began in September 2023 when Milstein and Bank filed demolition plans for the historic property. The move sparked outrage from preservationists and fans of the iconic actress, who argued that the home should be protected as a historical landmark.
In response to the ruling, Councilman Mike Bonin, who represents Brentwood, stated, "This is a huge win for the preservation of Los Angeles history. Marilyn Monroe is an iconic figure, and her former home should be preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy."
However, Milstein and Bank's attorney, Howard Weitzman, plans to appeal the decision, stating, "We will continue to fight for our clients' right to develop and enjoy their property as they see fit."
Originally reported by