Hugh Hefner’s Iconic Playboy Mansion Granted Permanent Protection From City

A new agreement prohibits the current and future owners from demolishing the main property.

The iconic Playboy Mansion isn’t going anywhere.

According to the Los Angeles Times, L.A. City Councilman Paul Koretz has recently secured a “permanent protection covenant” with the property’s new owner, Daren Metropoulos. Though Koretz had initially sought to designate the mansion as a historic-cultural landmark, the new agreement prohibits Metropoulos, or any future proprietors, from demolishing the legendary residence that became synonymous with the late Hugh Hefner. Additionally, Metropoulos agreed to make necessary repairs to the mansion in order to preserve its original condition.

Metropoulos, the heir to the Hostess fortune, purchased the property for $100 million in 2016, under the stipulation that Hefner could live at the property until his death, which occurred Sept. 27 of the last year. Shortly after Metropoulos acquired the mansion, he announced his plans for extensive renovations. The new agreement will allow these changes to be made, just as long as the main house is not demolished.

“I’m extremely passionate about its architecture and look forward to this momentous opportunity to transform one of the finest estates in the country. As Mr. Hefner was aware, I plan to meticulously refurbish the property with the highest quality and standards in mind,” Metropoulos said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter. “I want to thank Councilman Koretz for working with me to develop an understanding of my vision to restore the mansion while modernizing and replacing important mechanical systems in the structure.”

American architect Arthur R. Kelly designed the Playboy Mansion in 1927 for Arthur Letts, Jr., the son of the Broadway department store founder Arthur Letts. Playboy bought the property for $1.1 million in 1971, and went on to become the unofficial West Coast headquarters for the adult magazine, specifically known for its hedonistic parties.

“It was such a lifestyle,” famed Playmate Pamela Anderson told the L.A. Times. “Playboy Mansion was like my university. It was full of intellectuals, sex, rock ‘n’ roll, art, all the important stuff.”

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