Owners of Marilyn Monroe’s $8M LA death home slammed by city after suing to tear it down
The city of Los Angeles has asked a federal court to throw out a lawsuit filed by the owners of the Brentwood home where Marilyn Monroe died, arguing that the claims have no merit and were brought too soon.
The property was purchased in 2023 by Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank for a little more than $8 million. After acquiring the home, they obtained permission from the city to tear down the structure and move forward with plans to build something new, according to their lawsuit.
The situation changed in 2024 when the city moved to designate the house as a Historical-Cultural Monument. Milstein and Bank say that decision came after demolition permits had already been approved, and they claim the designation effectively destroyed the value of the property by preventing them from redeveloping it and recouping the money they spent to buy it.
City lawyers challenged that account in a court filing submitted Thursday. According to the city, the buyers were aware before purchasing the home that it was already a well-known tourist destination and was being considered for historic landmark status. Despite that knowledge, they proceeded with the $8.35 million purchase.
Attorneys for Los Angeles also argued that the historic designation process is not yet fully finalized, meaning the lawsuit is premature. They said the homeowners still have options available to challenge the designation, including applying again for demolition under the rules that apply to Historical-Cultural Monument properties. The city claims the owners never attempted to pursue that route.
Milstein and Bank have argued that the designation has created several problems, including an increase in tourists and people trespassing on the property. City attorneys rejected that claim, saying the designation does not give the public any right to enter the property and does not require the homeowners to allow visitors.
Lawyers for the city also disputed the owners’ argument that the historic status destroyed the value of their investment. They said the house can still function as a residence and suggested that the owners’ own decisions — including not maintaining the property — are responsible for any lack of economic value.
The Spanish-style bungalow, which includes a pool and sits on a quiet cul-de-sac in an upscale Brentwood neighborhood, has drawn visitors for decades. Interest in the home dates back to August 1962, when Monroe’s body was removed from the property after her death.
Milstein and Bank are attempting to force the city to allow the demolition of the home. A lower state court already rejected that request, and the homeowners are currently appealing that ruling in the state Court of Appeals.
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