Judge Dismissed Lawsuit Over Marilyn Monroe Home
A federal court ruled against owners challenging the historical status of the former Monroe residence.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Residential
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U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson dismissed a lawsuit on September 28, 2026, brought by the owners of the former Marilyn Monroe home in Brentwood. The plaintiffs sought to overturn the property's historical monument status, which was approved by the Los Angeles City Council in 2024.
Why it matters
The case highlights the conflict between private property rights and municipal historic preservation efforts. The property owners pursued the legal challenge after claiming the home's designation significantly devalued their investment.
The residence lost nearly 91% of its value following the designation, dropping from $8.5 million to $820,000. Owners previously spent $30,000 on demolition and grading permits before the city intervention.
The players
Percy Anderson
He is the U.S. District Judge who presided over the case in the Central District Court of California.
Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank
They are the property owners who purchased the residence in 2023 and filed the lawsuit against the city.
Karen Bass
She serves as the Mayor of Los Angeles and was named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Marilyn Monroe
She was an iconic American actress who owned the residence until her death in 1962.
Los Angeles City Council
This is the legislative body that voted to grant the property its status as a historical monument.
The details
The court dismissed the lawsuit on the grounds that the plaintiffs failed to state a viable taking claim against the city. Owners Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank purchased the property in 2023 and sought demolition permits, citing the dilapidated state of the structures.
Timeline
1962: Marilyn Monroe owned and died in the residence.
2023: The current owners purchased the property.
September 8, 2023: Los Angeles City Council moved to consider historical status.
June 26, 2024: The city approved the historical designation.
September 28, 2026: Judge Anderson dismissed the owners lawsuit.
Culture Shift
The conflict reflects a growing tension between individual property development and the municipal preservation of mid-century cultural history. This case demonstrates how local historical monument status can override the original intent of real estate investors in Los Angeles.
Prospective homeowners in historic areas should be aware that municipal designations can severely impact the market value and development flexibility of a property. This ruling reinforces that local ordinances can limit a owner's ability to demolish structures even after purchase.
The takeaway
This case underscores the significant financial risk involved in purchasing property that may be subject to future historic preservation review. Owners should thoroughly investigate local zoning and historical status potential before committing to high-value real estate projects.
What happens next
The property owners have publicly stated their intent to appeal the ruling, which will proceed through the federal appellate court system.
Further reading
For more information on property regulations, visit the Residential section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by People.
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