September 9, 2025

Marilyn Monroe’s Brentwood Home Saved from Demolition

News Summary

Marilyn Monroe’s historic Brentwood home has been saved from demolition once again after a ruling by an L.A. Superior Court judge. The decision affirms its status as a cultural monument, protecting it from destruction. Judge James C. Chalfant dismissed the owners’ claims against the landmark designation, emphasizing the importance of preserving historically significant properties. Monroe purchased the home in 1962, tragically passing away shortly after. The property remains a site of controversy, with local residents and advocates weighing in on its future amid ongoing legal battles.

Los Angeles – Marilyn Monroe’s iconic Brentwood home has been officially saved from demolition for the second time in two years, following a ruling from an L.A. Superior Court judge. The decision affirms the property’s status as a historic cultural monument, rendering it protected from destruction.

Judge James C. Chalfant upheld the Los Angeles City Council’s designation, which was initially made last summer to prevent the home from being demolished by its current owners, Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank. The couple had argued that the landmark designation infringed on their rights to raze the structure.

In rejecting the owners’ legal challenge, Judge Chalfant stated that their claim was essentially an attempt to circumvent the historical designation in order to proceed with demolition plans. This ruling underscores the importance of preserving historically significant properties in the city.

The Brentwood house has a rich history, built in the 1920s, and gained notoriety when Monroe purchased it for $75,000 in 1962. Tragically, she passed away in the residence just six months after acquiring it. The house features the Latin phrase “Cursum Perficio,” which translates to “The journey ends here,” engraved on the front porch, further emphasizing its cultural significance.

Despite changes over the decades, the home has been labelled an essential part of Monroe’s legacy by historians and fans. The property has had 14 different owners and undergone numerous renovations, leading the current owners to claim that it no longer resembles its original design.

Local residents have expressed their dissatisfaction with the property becoming a tourist attraction, as fans and tour buses frequently visit the site. The couple purchased the property for $8.35 million in July 2023 and initially sought to tear it down to expand their adjacent estate. They were able to obtain demolition permits from the Department of Building and Safety prior to public outcry.

In response to community concerns, Councilmember Traci Park advocated for the protection of the home. Public interest surged, resulting in hundreds of comments submitted to local legislators opposing the proposed demolition, prompting the city to initiate the historic-cultural monument application process in January 2024.

After the recent court ruling, Milstein and Bank are reportedly considering an appeal, further prolonging the legal battle over the property. The former home of Marilyn Monroe is poised to remain a point of interest and debate as advocates for preservation and the rights of the homeowners continue to navigate the legal landscape.

Monroe, who would have celebrated her 100th birthday on June 1, 2026, continues to be remembered for her legendary status in Hollywood. The preservation of her former home is of significant cultural importance, reminding both fans and the public of her lasting impact on entertainment history.