Legal fight over landmark status enters second year after judge blocked teardown of iconic property.
Litigation over the future of Marilyn Monroe’s former Brentwood home has continued into its second year, with the property’s owners challenging the city of Los Angeles for blocking their demolition plans, as reported by Courthouse News.
Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank have been in a legal dispute with the city since 2024 after officials designated the residence a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, a decision that halted redevelopment of the property where Monroe died in 1962. The couple first filed a lawsuit against the city in May 2024 to demolish the home, and were denied by a Superior Court judge in September 2025.
The couple purchased the property in 2023 for nearly $8.4 million and later received city approval to demolish the house and build a new residence. City officials, led by CD 11 city councilwoman Traci Park, subsequently granted landmark status to the structure, citing its association with the late actress.
In court filings, Milstein and Bank argue the city acted after the fact by imposing historic protections only once redevelopment was imminent. They contend the designation reversed previously issued permits and deprived them of reasonable use of the property.
The homeowners also say the landmark ruling drew heightened public attention, stating, “The designation has created public burdens instead of benefits.“The designation and resultant public disturbance have created traffic congestion and community nuisance — on a street not meant to handle excessive traffic of tour buses or trespassers, let alone the actual residents of that street and their guests,” as quoted by Courthouse News.
The suit asks the court to either allow demolition to proceed or require the city to compensate the owners for the value of the property. The suit names the City of Los Angeles and Mayor Karen Bass.