Marilyn Monroe’s Former LA Home Spared from Demolition as City Moves to Preserve Historical Landmark
Marilyn Monroe’s former Los Angeles home, where the legendary Hollywood actress tragically passed away at the age of 36, has received a temporary reprieve from demolition. The Los Angeles City Council has taken measures to prevent the property’s destruction, instead opting to designate it as a historical landmark in honor of Monroe. This decision comes after the property’s current owners, the Glory of the Snow Trust, received a cease-and-desist letter from the Board of Building and Safety Commissioners on September 8.
Councilwoman Traci Park proposed the initiative to protect Monroe’s former home, which was subsequently approved unanimously with a 12-0 vote. As a result, all major alterations to the property have been halted, and no work has been carried out thus far. The next step in the process involves receiving a response from the Heritage Commission, which has 75 days from the date of the motion to determine if the property meets the criteria for historical monument status.
Originally built in 1929, the Hacienda-style estate spans 2,900 square feet and features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, beamed ceilings, and terra cotta tile floors. The property, whose exact cost remains undisclosed, was reportedly purchased by the new owners for approximately $8.35 million. Additionally, it boasts a spacious backyard with a swimming pool surrounded by flourishing citrus trees and a well-maintained lawn.
Monroe’s Brentwood home holds significant historical value as the only property she ever purchased. The actress acquired the estate in February 1962 for $77,500, just six months before her tragic passing. Monroe’s death was ruled as an overdose of sleeping pills, though the nature of whether it was accidental or intentional remains uncertain. She was discovered alone in her bed with an unhooked phone and a bottle of sleeping pills nearby.
For Monroe’s devoted fans, the house holds immense sentimental value. It symbolizes a fresh start for the actress, who had recently ended her marriage to Arthur Miller and was focused on rebuilding her life and career. Scott Fortner, a lifelong fan and Monroe expert, described the property as the Marilyn Monroe community’s version of Graceland, drawing parallels to Elvis Presley’s famous home.
The decision to spare Monroe’s former residence from demolition marks a significant victory for those who admire her iconic status in Hollywood. It not only showcases the admiration for Monroe as an actress but also pays tribute to her resilience and the challenges she overcame during her tragically short life. As the process moves forward, Monroe’s former home is on track to receive historical monument status, ensuring that her memory and legacy live on for future generations to appreciate.
