Fans and conservationists rejoiced in January when the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission proposed landmark status for Marilyn Monroe’s former home, aiming to save it from demolition.

However, the new owners, Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank, who purchased the property last summer with plans to demolish it and expand their estate, filed a lawsuit against the city.

They argue that the house lacks historical significance and has undergone significant alterations since Monroe’s ownership.

Despite public outcry and efforts by council members to preserve the home, the owners seek to overturn the decision to designate it as a historic cultural monument, the Los Angeles Times has reported.

The lawsuit challenges the city’s authority and aims to uphold the right to demolish the property. While relocation was proposed as an alternative, its feasibility remains uncertain.

This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the preservation of historically significant homes, as seen in a recent controversy over the demolition of the Zimmerman House by Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger.

Written by B.C. Begley