The iconic Brady Bunch house, a beloved symbol of American television history, has been granted landmark status by the LA City Council. This decision, a unanimous vote, ensures the preservation of a piece of pop culture heritage.
The modest mid-century home, located on Dilling Avenue in the San Fernando Valley, served as the exterior backdrop for the popular sitcom 'The Brady Bunch'. Running from 1969 to 1974, the show chronicled the humorous adventures of a blended family, with its catchy theme song introducing us to 'the youngest one in curls'.
While interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage, the exterior shots of the shingle-and-stone house with its distinctive peaked roof became an iconic image. This house, built in 1959, later appeared in the 1995 film 'The Brady Bunch Movie' and its sequel, solidifying its place in entertainment history.
The landmark status is a protective measure, preventing demolition or significant alterations without review. It empowers the Cultural Heritage Commission to intervene and seek preservation solutions if owners wish to make major changes.
The LA Conservancy, a nonprofit, advocated for this status, with CEO Adrian Scott Fine expressing delight at its approval. He emphasized the personal connection fans have with the property, noting how it has become a pilgrimage site for 'Brady Bunch' enthusiasts.
In 2018, when the house was put up for sale, HGTV emerged victorious in a bidding war, purchasing the property for $3.5 million, a significant premium over the listing price. The network then embarked on an extensive renovation project, documented in the miniseries 'A Very Brady Renovation', transforming the house into a replica of its TV counterpart with its signature wood-paneled living room and vibrant orange-and-green kitchen.
This story is a testament to the enduring impact of television on popular culture and the lengths to which fans and preservationists will go to protect and celebrate it.
