Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank purchased the Brentwood property for over $8 million in 2023 and subsequently received a demolition permit for new construction.
In 2024, the city unexpectedly designated the house as a “Historic-Cultural Monument,” bringing demolition plans to a halt.
The owners filed a lawsuit, claiming the decision stripped the property of its value and prevented them from realizing their investment in Los Angeles luxury villas, which are already facing legal volatility.
City attorneys countered, stating that the buyers were aware of the risk the house could be designated a monument and were notified about the site attracting tourists.
According to court filings, the monument designation process is not yet final, making the lawsuit premature.
The city also noted that the owners could still re-apply for a demolition permit under monument regulations, a step they have not yet taken.
Arguments regarding trespassing tourists were rejected. Officials stated that the designation does not grant the public free access to the property.
The city maintains that the property can still be used as a residence and has not been stripped of its value, similar to disputes involving Kanye West's Malibu mansion. The inability to lease the home stems from the owners' own decisions, not city regulations.
The Spanish-style home is located in an upscale neighborhood near Beverly Hills and has been an attraction since 1962—the year Marilyn Monroe's body was removed from the premises.
The owners are currently pursuing their case in the state appeals court, one of several high-profile lawsuits in LA County, while seeking to compel the city to allow the demolition.
