(Photo: Wikipedia / Dell Publications, Inc.)
The house in which the actress Marilyn Monroe once lived has recently been categorized as a historical site in Los Angeles to discourage the current owners from demolishing the house. The City of Los Angeles City Council approved the decision on Wednesday and made it official to preserve the 1929 Spanish Colonial house as a historical cultural monument. This was made possible by the efforts of the presidential group and fans of the late-screen legendary actress.
Rising Concerns and Public Outcry
The change in status occurred while growing fears that the building in the heart of the affluent Brentwood neighborhood, which belonged to Brinah Milstein and reality TV producer Roy Bank, might be demolished. The couple who lived next to the property intended to enlarge their home and acreage and applied for the destruction of Monroe's former home. This led to outcries from the public and preservation groups and the city's intervention, as evident here.
When seeking the status of the historic landmark, the LA Conservancy pointed to the house's cultural and historical value. "This was the first property Marilyn personally chose and purchased on her own, and the property was actively where she worked in Hollywood," the proposal elaborated. Monroe used the house for about six months before her mysterious death in 1962 from what is believed to have been a drug overdose. Thus, the home has also become the symbol of the actress and the last moments of her life.
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The designation began after the Department of Building and Safety issued a demolition permit in September 2023. The permit sparked an immediate backlash, with fans and historians mobilizing to save the house. Public hearings and extensive documentation detailing the home's historical value and Monroe's deep connection were submitted.
Council Meeting and Public Support
During the council meeting, numerous public speakers supported the landmark status. Councilmember Traci Park, who represents the district where the house is located, was a vocal advocate for the preservation effort. "Marilyn Monroe is an indelible part of our city's cultural fabric," Park stated. Her home is a physical piece of that legacy, and it deserves to be preserved for future generations."
The voting decision states that the council has reached a unanimous decision, meaning that any demolition that was in process has been stopped. However, the conflict regarding the destiny of the property does not end there. Milstein and Bank sued the city for this problem, stating it as a violation of property rights regarding the landmark status. Their attorney, David Gottlieb, protested and criticized the council's action by saying it was "a naked pandering of a council to public emotions."
Preservationists' Victory
The preservationists are happy with this decision, as Internet service providers cannot block the domain. The president of the LA Conservancy, Linda Dishman, offered words of appreciation to the council and the public. 'It is not simply about a house; it is about securing a part of our history as a people,' Dishman stated. Marilyn Monroe's story and career can still interest millions, and her home is a physical connection to the stars.
The building's historical significance applies not only to protecting it but also to maintaining Monroe's spirit alive in the city she contributed to. The home, captured in the video through its architectural design and majestically designed gardens, offers an erstwhile look into the life of one of Hollywood's most famous personalities.
While the two fight it out in the legal process, fans of Monroe continue to flock to the compound to honor the actress at Brentwood. At least for the time being, Marilyn Monroe's home remains a fortified fortress, a shrine to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Much effort needs to be made to conserve and sustain the cultural heritage importance of places such as Monroe to contribute to future generations.
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