Marilyn Monroe’s final resting place was designated a historic landmark by the Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday, a designation that aims to prevent the destruction of the house where the actress took her last breath.
The decision was approved by a unanimous vote. It should allow the city to protect the building, located in the wealthy district of Brentwood and recently acquired by rich Americans who wish to raze it.
“There is no other person or place in the city of Los Angeles as iconic as Marilyn Monroe and her Brentwood home,” said City Councilor Traci Park.
“Some of the most famous images of her were taken in this house, on this land and by her swimming pool. Marilyn died tragically there, which forever ties her, in time and space, to this place,” she added.
Marilyn Monroe acquired this 270 square meter single-story hacienda in 1962, just after her divorce from the writer Arthur Miller, in an attempt to regain some semblance of privacy.
It was in this house, invisible from the street, that the star was found dead barely six months later due to a drug overdose at just 36 years old. The place has had several owners since the death of the “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “Some Like It Hot” star.
But controversy erupted last year after it was bought by Brinah Milstein, a wealthy heiress, and Roy Bank, a reality TV producer.
The couple, who own a neighboring home, bought the mansion for $8.35 million with plans to tear it down and expand. But their demolition permit was quickly revoked by the city because of the historical implications.
This decision prompted the new owners to take the matter to court. A case that the courts have not yet decided on the merits.
The city’s classification of the house does not prohibit its demolition. But it does require a rigorous examination before the municipal heritage commission.
The couple offered to move the house, to make it accessible to fans, still fascinated by the actress. An option still under study, according to Ms. Park.
“My team and I worked closely with the owners to evaluate the possibility of moving the house to a location where the public could actually visit and spend time,” explained the city councilor.
