Couple Loses Bid to Raze Monroe's Death House

A federal judge, Percy Anderson, recently dismissed a couple's second legal challenge to the historic designation of Marilyn Monroe's former Los Angeles residence. Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank, the current owners, argued that the designation as a Historic-Cultural Monument constituted a taking of their property due to a significant reduction in value.

In his September 28 ruling, Judge Anderson found the couple failed to present a viable claim and dismissed their lawsuit. The homeowners had claimed the property's value dropped from $8.5 million to $820,000, a nearly 91% decrease, after the designation. This follows an earlier dismissal of their initial complaint in May.

Milstein and Bank purchased the Brentwood property in 2023 with the intent to demolish it, securing permits that were initially approved. However, the City Council initiated a historical designation process in September 2023, which was finalized in June 2024, halting planned renovations. The couple's legal team plans to appeal, citing the property's diminished value and the burden imposed by the city.

Monroe lived in the Spanish Colonial-style house for only six months in 1962 before her death at age 36. The couple claims no trace of Monroe remains and that the house has undergone extensive changes over decades by previous owners. They sought to have their demolition permits reinstated or to be fully compensated for their investment.