There is a fight in Hollywood to save not just any Marilyn Monroe mansion... but the only property she ever owned independently - speaking to her desire, at the time, for a personal sanctuary amid the swirling storms of her life.
In today’s episode, we’ll first share with you a full tour of the home—complete with a room-by-room analysis.
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
2:38 Chapter 1: A Tour of the Home
6:04 Chapter 2: Where Marilyn Monroe Developed The Style
9:36 Chapter 3: Tragedy and New Owners
13:47 Chapter 4: The Battle of Brentwood
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In the quiet Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, a dramatic clash unfolded over Marilyn Monroe's final home—a property steeped in Hollywood lore and personal significance.
The story begins with the legacy of Marilyn Monroe, an icon whose residence at Twelve Three Oh Five Fifth Helena Drive was a fleeting sanctuary amidst her turbulent life.
Acquired in February 1962, this Spanish Colonial-style house, with its adobe walls and lush garden, was Monroe’s solitary claim to real estate independence.
The Latin phrase "Cursum Perficio," meaning "My journey ends here," engraved above the front door, poignantly echoed her quest for solace—a quest cut short by her tragic death just six months later.
Decades passed, and the house changed hands, with each new owner leaving their mark.
By July 2023, the residence was purchased for a staggering 8.3 million dollars.
The new owners, Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank, set their sights on expanding their adjacent estate, proposing the demolition of the historic structure to make way for their grand vision.
This proposal ignited a fierce battle.
The house, now seen as a crucial piece of Hollywood history, faced the threat of destruction.
The Los Angeles City Council, led by Traci Park, responded with urgency, advocating for the house to be designated a Historic Cultural Monument.
Park’s efforts were driven by a desire to preserve Monroe’s legacy and honor her as one of Hollywood’s enduring symbols.
Support for preservation surged from all corners—preservationists, historians, and Monroe’s fans rallied, arguing that the house was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a living testament to Monroe’s impact on the cultural landscape.
Groups like the Los Angeles Conservancy emphasized its architectural and emotional significance, underscoring its role in reflecting Monroe's life and times.
Yet, Milstein and Bank were resolute.
They contended that renovations had eroded the home’s historical authenticity and raised concerns about increased visitor traffic if the house were preserved as a landmark.
They accused city officials of rushing the designation process and colluding to secure the preservation outcome.
As tensions mounted, the legal confrontation intensified.
On June 26, 2024, the City Council voted unanimously to grant the house Historic Cultural Monument status, a decision celebrated by preservationists as a victory for cultural heritage.
This designation placed the home under stringent review, safeguarding it from immediate demolition and ensuring that any future alterations would be carefully scrutinized.
However, the battle was far from over.
Milstein and Bank continued their legal challenge, seeking to overturn the City Council’s decision.
With a trial-setting conference scheduled for August 13, 2024, the fate of Monroe’s Brentwood home remained uncertain, hanging in the balance between preserving a piece of Hollywood history and upholding private property rights.
In this unfolding drama, the question of whether Monroe’s iconic mansion will stand or fall is not merely a matter of architectural preservation but a reflection of broader values—how society navigates the delicate intersection of historical legacy and personal ownership.
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