Why are the owners of Marilyn Monroe's former home suing the city of Los Angeles?

The owners are suing because they allege an "unconstitutional taking" of their private residence after the city designated it a Historic Cultural Monument, which invalidated their demolition permits.

What was the historical significance of the Marilyn Monroe residence?

Marilyn Monroe lived in the 1929 Spanish Colonial-style house for only six months in 1962 before her death there at age 36. The current owners claim the property has undergone numerous renovations and had 14 owners since her death.

What do the homeowners want in their lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles?

The homeowners are asking the court to either reinstate their demolition and grading permits or to compensate them for their $8.35 million investment in the property.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Monroe Homeowners Sue LA Over Historic Designation

Monroe Homeowners Sue LA Over Historic Designation

31 Jan

Summary

Homeowners sue LA for 'unconstitutional taking' of Marilyn Monroe's former residence.
City Council designated the property a historic monument, invalidating demolition permits.
Owners claim the home has no meaningful ties to Monroe after numerous renovations.

Monroe Homeowners Sue LA Over Historic Designation

The current owners of the Los Angeles home where Marilyn Monroe died have filed a lawsuit against the city and Mayor Karen Bass. They allege an "unconstitutional taking" of their private residence through the city's Historic Cultural Monument ordinance.

Roy Bank and Brinah Milstein purchased the Brentwood property in 2023 for $8.35 million, intending to demolish the existing structures. They had secured the necessary demolition permits, which were later invalidated by the City Council.

The City Council first considered the property for historic designation on September 8, 2023, without notifying the owners. This designation was ultimately approved on June 26, 2024, against the homeowners' wishes.

Bank and Milstein argue the home's connection to Monroe is insignificant. The actress lived in the 1929 Spanish Colonial-style house for only six months in 1962, occasionally occupying it while traveling. Since her death there at age 36, the property has seen 14 owners and numerous renovations.

The lawsuit claims the historic designation has turned the property into a tourist attraction, leading to traffic congestion and trespassers. This has resulted in incidents like a burglary on November 7, 2025, where intruders scaled the wall in search of memorabilia.

The couple is suing under the Fifth Amendment's Taking Clause and Just-Compensation Clause. They seek reinstatement of their demolition permits or compensation for their initial investment.

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