The iconic Brady Bunch house, a modest mid-century home located in Studio City, has officially been awarded historic landmark status by the Los Angeles city council. This unanimous vote designates the property as a historic-cultural monument, granting it protections against demolition or major alterations without review.
Unanimous Council Decision
On Wednesday, the LA city council voted unanimously to designate the Brady Bunch house in the San Fernando Valley as a historic-cultural monument. This decision provides landmark protections for the house on Dilling Avenue, which was famously used for exterior shots of the popular television sitcom that aired from 1969 to 1974.
Television History and Cultural Impact
The show, which enjoyed decades of syndication, depicted the humorous adventures of a blended family with six siblings, as immortalized in its theme song. While interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage with sets that did not resemble the actual property, the exterior of this shingle-and-stone home with a peaked roof became a beloved photo destination for fans.
Adrian Scott Fine, chief executive of the nonprofit LA Conservancy, expressed his delight at the approval. He highlighted the personal connection fans have with the house, stating, "If you watched The Brady Bunch, you knew this house. People make a pilgrimage to see it. To have it designated like this, it makes it all the sweeter."
Protections and Renovations
The landmark status, applied to the home built in 1959, does not prohibit demolition or major renovations but subjects such changes to a design review. The Cultural Heritage Commission can delay processes to explore preservation options if owners propose significant alterations.
In 2018, the house was sold for $3.5 million to HGTV after a competitive bidding war, which was $1.6 million above the listing price for the then-2,400-square-foot residence. HGTV subsequently expanded, remodeled, and redecorated the property to include trademark elements from the TV set, such as a wood-paneled living room with a floating staircase and an orange-and-green kitchen. This transformation was documented in the miniseries A Very Brady Renovation.
Broader Significance
Beyond its television fame, the house also appeared in the 1995 film The Brady Bunch Movie and its sequel, further cementing its place in pop culture. The designation underscores the property's role as a cultural touchstone and ensures its preservation for future generations of fans and historians alike.
