In a unanimous decision on Wednesday, the Los Angeles City Council voted to declare the iconic Brady Bunch house in the San Fernando Valley a historic-cultural monument, solidifying its status as a local landmark.
The designation provides legal protections to the house, located on Dilling Avenue, which served as the exterior setting for the popular TV sitcom that aired from 1969 to 1974. While interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage, the house’s facade has become a popular attraction for fans of the show.
Originally constructed in 1959, the shingle-and-stone residence with a distinctive peaked roof also appeared in the 1995 movie The Brady Bunch Movie and its sequel. The landmark designation safeguards the property from demolition or significant alterations, although modifications are not entirely prohibited. Any proposed changes would undergo a stringent design review process, allowing for preservation considerations.
Advocated by the non-profit LA Conservancy, the landmark status was met with enthusiasm by CEO Adrian Scott Fine, who emphasized the emotional connection that fans have with the property. He highlighted the significance of the house in pop culture, noting that it has become a pilgrimage site for many Brady Bunch enthusiasts.
The house gained widespread attention in 2018 when it was listed for sale, ultimately fetching a price of $3.5 million US after a bidding war won by HGTV. The cable network subsequently undertook a renovation project to replicate the iconic elements of the original set, resulting in a four-part series titled A Very Brady Renovation.
Overall, the historic-cultural monument status ensures the preservation of the Brady Bunch house as a cherished piece of television history, maintaining its allure for generations to come.