A Los Angeles city commission on Thursday, Jan, 18, voted to preserve the former Brentwood home of Marilyn Monroe and recommended it be designated a historic-cultural monument after it was almost demolished last year at the request of the property owner.
The five-member Cultural Heritage Commission voted unanimously to prevent demolition efforts of the iconic movie star’s final home in the 12000 block of Fifth Helena Drive. The commissioners each made short remarks on the home’s cultural significance.
Barry Milofsky, the commission’s president, noted that while Monroe’s home should be preserved, efforts to do so should not wait until demolition is pending.
During the meeting, attorney George Mihlsten, representing the property owner, Glory of the Snow LLC, argued the home should not fall under the city’s landmark ordinance, citing that the home had been empty and bare, and not worthy of being a monument.
Additionally, they argued the home was not in the public right of way. Sahure also noted that Monroe’s home would increase tour bus traffic and disrupt peace in the neighborhood.
Heather Goers, the preparer representing the city of Los Angeles in its efforts to protect the home, countered that first argument that Monroe was waiting for custom furnishing for her home when she died, and even registered her dog’s license in the city.
There were also more than 15 people, some preservationists and others fans of Monroe, who joined the meeting in person or online through Zoom. The commission received several emails, too, supporting that Monroe’s home be saved for the future.
Adrian Scott Fine from the Los Angeles Conservancy was in attendance, supporting Monroe’s home being made a city landmark.
But one strong statement of support came via email from Parisian art historian Jacques Le Roux, calling for the city to formally act and declare the home a landmark.
He noted that in recent years, Monroe’s persona has grown into something much…
Read the full article here
