Los Angeles Designates Brady Bunch House as Historic-Cultural Monument

The Los Angeles City Council officially designated the Brady Bunch house as a historic-cultural monument on October 25, 2023, providing landmark protections to the property that gained fame through the beloved television series. In a unanimous vote of 13-0, the council accepted a recommendation from the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission to include the residence located at 11222 Dilling Street on the city’s list of historic-cultural monuments.

The commission had previously determined that the home met the necessary criteria for this designation during its meeting on January 15. Notably, council members Katy Yaroslavsky and Imelda Padilla were absent from the vote, but the decision reflects a strong consensus about the property’s cultural significance.

Significance of the Brady Bunch House

The house features prominently in exterior shots throughout the series, which aired from 1969 to 1974. While interior scenes were filmed on a studio lot, the facade became a recognizable symbol of suburban life for generations of viewers. According to Adrian Scott Fine, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Conservancy, the home represents much more than a mere television backdrop. He remarked, “Few places capture the joy and optimism of mid-century family life quite like the Brady Bunch House. For millions around the world that tuned in, it was simply a TV set — but here in the Valley, it stands as a real home, a pop-culture landmark, and a place where make-believe met real Los Angeles suburbia.”

Constructed in 1959 and designed by architect Harry Londelius Jr., the house was chosen for its proximity to Paramount Studios and its distinct mid-century style, appealing to viewers who could imagine the architect Mike Brady calling it home. Although “The Brady Bunch” only aired for five seasons, its legacy endured through syndication, solidifying the house’s status as a lasting cultural icon.

Recent Developments and Public Access

Interest in the property surged in 2019, when HGTV acquired the house and launched “A Very Brady Renovation,” a series that reunited cast members and transformed the interior to mirror the show’s fictional settings. Following this renovation, the property was sold for $3.2 million to Tina Trahan, a Texas-based philanthropist and television producer. Trahan, a devoted fan of the series, remains the current owner.

In November 2023, the Brady Bunch house opened its doors to the public for the first time through a three-day charity event called “The Brady Experience.” This initiative featured guided tours of the property, showcasing the recreated interior, including the iconic floating staircase and retro kitchen. Proceeds from the event benefited the Wags and Walks Dog Rescue Adoption Center, further establishing the house as a cherished community landmark.

The designation of the Brady Bunch house as a historic-cultural monument not only honors its role in television history but also solidifies its place in the cultural fabric of Los Angeles, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the legacy of the family that captured the hearts of many.