The Brentwood home of legendary actress, Marilyn Monroe, is still standing at least for now. When word got out that the new owner of the 1929 Spanish Colonial had pulled a permit to demolish it, fans and officials sprang into action.
The only home Marilyn Monroe ever owned by herself is located at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive, which is in the 11th Council District of Los Angeles, represented by Traci Park. On Friday, September 8, Park introduced a motion to have the property considered a historic-cultural monument.
The council passed the motion unanimously, and that temporarily freezes all permits on the half-acre site. This is a first step in saving Monroe’s hacienda from the wrecking ball. “The home must be preserved as a crucial piece of Hollywood’s and the city of Los Angeles’ history, culture and legacy,” said Park at a news conference before the council vote.
Monroe bought the walled and gated property in the early 1960s for $75,000. Sadly, Monroe had dreams of restoring the home, but they were never fully realized. She was found dead in the home August 4, 1962, of an apparent drug overdose. She was only 36. Since then the home has changed hands many times. This summer, the property was sold to Andrew Sahure of the Glory of the Snow Trust, for a reported $8.35 million.
In her short career, Monroe made nearly 30 films including, “How to Marry a Millionaire” (1953), “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953), “Bus Stop” (1956) and “Some Like It Hot” (1959).