Marilyn Monroe’s historic Brentwood home, a magnificent Spanish Colonial residence, narrowly escaped the threat of demolition, all thanks to the impassioned efforts of Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park. In a momentous unanimous decision, the L.A. City Council has granted a temporary reprieve to this iconic piece of Hollywood history, marking a significant stride towards its preservation.
The race against time to safeguard Monroe’s final residence began when Councilmember Traci Park received alarming news that the Glory of the Snow Trust, the property owner, had applied for a demolition permit for Marilyn Monroe’s Brentwood home. Despite her swift actions, the Department of Building and Safety had already issued the permit before they could fully intervene.
Channeling the spirit of Marilyn Monroe herself, Councilmember Park delivered a heartfelt speech during a press conference, where she declared her intention to initiate the consideration of historic-cultural monument status for the home. In her impassioned address, she emphasized the importance of not only preserving the final residence of a Hollywood icon but also safeguarding the rich history and heritage of the city.
Councilmember Park presented a motion to the City Council, urging immediate action to evaluate the home as a historic cultural monument. This motion, which received unanimous support, underlined that such a designation would not infringe upon the property owner’s rights but rather assess the property’s historical and cultural significance.
During the City Council meeting, numerous Angelenos voiced their opinions on the matter. Some questioned the urgency of preserving the home amidst a homelessness crisis, while others underscored the importance of honoring women and protecting historical monuments. The unanimous decision by the City Council to consider the home for historic-cultural monument status underscores the profound significance of this cultural landmark.
This decision represents a crucial victory as it automatically halts all building permits while the matter undergoes consideration by the Cultural Heritage Commission and the City Council. Moreover, the city’s Department of Building and Safety intends to revoke the demolition permits, signaling a positive shift towards preserving the home.
The forthcoming steps involve thorough research, assessment, and analysis by the Office of Historic Resources, followed by findings and recommendations from the Historic Cultural Commission. Ultimately, a final decision by the City Council must be reached within 75 days, ensuring a swift and comprehensive evaluation process.
Councilmember Traci Park stressed the paramount importance of preserving Marilyn Monroe’s only independently-owned home—a true relic of Hollywood’s history. This meticulously curated hacienda, reflecting Monroe’s journey and identity as an Angeleno, holds a special place in the annals of Hollywood’s legacy.
