In a surprising legal move, Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank, owners of the Brentwood residence once inhabited by iconic actress Marilyn Monroe, have filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles. The couple is seeking the right to demolish the property, which they purchased in July 2023 for $8.35 million.

According to reports, Milstein and Bank intended to expand their neighboring residence by razing Monroe's former home. However, their plans hit a roadblock when the city issued a temporary stay on the demolition last September. The decision by the Los Angeles City Council temporarily halted the demolition, much to the delight of fans and historians.

Scott Fortner, a superfan and collector of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, expressed his support for preserving the property, referring to it as the "equivalent of Graceland" for fans of the iconic star. He highlighted the significance of the house in Monroe's life, noting that she purchased it in 1962 following her divorce from playwright Arthur Miller. The front step tiles of the property bear the inscription "Cursum Perficio," translated as "my journey ends here," adding to its memorial value.

While the City Council initiated proceedings to consider designating the property as a historic cultural monument, Milstein and Bank have vigorously opposed this move. They argue that Monroe lived in the house for less than six months in 1962 and that significant alterations have been made over the years. The owners claim that there is no physical evidence within the house that Monroe ever resided there.

In their lawsuit, Milstein and Bank allege "illegal and unconstitutional conduct and abuse of power" by the city. They maintain that the city's attempt to designate the property as a historic cultural monument has violated their property rights and has caused them "irreparable harm."

The fate of the Marilyn Monroe residence now rests in the hands of the Los Angeles City Council, who will vote on whether to grant it historic cultural monument status by mid-June. The outcome of this decision will determine whether the owners can proceed with their plans to demolish the house or if it will be preserved for its historical significance.

Representatives for Milstein, Bank, and the City of Los Angeles have not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. Brentwood, known for its rich Hollywood heritage, has seen similar tensions between preservation and the high value of its land. The current legal battle highlights the ongoing debate over the prioritization of architectural significance versus location and land value in highly sought-after areas.

As the court case unfolds, Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood home remains at the center of a contentious struggle between those seeking to preserve its historical significance and those who wish to exercise their property rights to demolish and expand.