The History of USC's Buildings
By Nina Moothedath
This is the map of USC you’re probably familiar with, but how did this campus get to what it looks like today?
Scroll to find out.
Photo courtesy of USC Libraries Special Collections
1880: Widney Alumni House, the oldest university building in Southern California, was built in 1880.
According to USC Today, Widney Alumni House has been moved 3 times in USC’s history, and its approximate location will be marked by this red building throughout this story. It also served different functions, from library and home to the USC Thornton School of Music to its current role housing the USC Alumni Association.
1890-1920: The Joint Educational Project House (JEP), Freshman Writing House (now College House) and the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Family House (AHN) buildings were built during this time frame, though they were only acquired by USC later. According to USC Dornsife, Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Family house wasn't moved to its current location until 2004.
1920s: The university hired local architect John Parkinson. According to the Historic Resources Group, his plan, which would continue through the next 2 decades, featured red brick and cream-colored limestone to make the style that is still iconic to USC's appearance today.
Other architects contributed to buildings constructed during this time, but Parkinson’s plan expanded the school along University Avenue, which is now Trousdale Parkway.
(Photo by Jason Goode)
1930s: In 1930, for USC’s 50th anniversary the Trojan Shrine, known as "Tommy Trojan" was finished. According to USC Athletics, the bronze sculpture was based on the figures of real USC football players.
Through the 1930’s construction under the Parkinson plan continued, along with buildings from other architectural firms. This includes Doheny Library, USC’s first freestanding library.
1940s: In the early 1940s some construction continued, slowed with the US joining World War II. The changes in USC's offered academic programs during this time, including the introduction of would also impact the future of the campus.
According to the US National Archives The GI Bill passed in 1944 gave World War II veterans funds as they adjusted back to civilian life, including for tuition and other college expenses. As a result, enrollment in universities, which was already on the rise, increased. This would affect campus as it had to accommodate a growing student body.
(Photo by Sarah Domai)
1950s: In 1953, University Avenue was closed to public traffic. This would create what students would now recognize as Trousdale Parkway, a walkway through the center of campus.
According to analysis by the Historic Resources Group, planning in this decade shifted to Modernist designs, focusing on concrete and brick to stay unified with the rest of USC's campus. This shift can be seen in buildings like Taper Hall and EVK
1960s: In 1960, the university brought on well-respected architect William L. Pereira. According to Online Archive of California and USC Libraries, Pereira’s career included work for the LAX, UCSD, UCI, the Los Angeles County Art Museum and Anaheim’s Disneyland Hotel.
Under his plan, USC’s campus increased from 95 to 153 acres. Pierra also emphasized limiting traffic on campus, restricting access to four entrances and constructing large parking structures. He also included lawns, trees and walkways to create "park-like" areas.
Other architects also contributed to this period of expansion, including Edward Durell Stone who designed the Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow Center for International and Public Affairs.
This building was originally named after former USC President Rufus von KleinSmid, but because of his support of eugenics USC removed his name from the building in 2020. In 2021, they renamed it after Joseph Medicine Crow, a Native American historian and war chief of the Apsaalooké (Crow) Nation who received a master’s degree in anthropology from USC.
1970s: USC’s growth continued through the 1970s, including facilities dedicated to the arts. Bing Theatre opened and had its first production, the play Sweet Bird of Youth. Along with it were the Albert S. Raubenheimer Music Faculty Memorial Building, Ramo Hall of Music, and the Watt Hall of Architecture and Fine Arts. There were also expansions to USC’s athletic facilities, including Dedeaux Field and Marks Tennis Stadium.
1980’s: For the 1984 Olympics, USC hosted one of the Olympic Villages, where athletes were housed. Swimming and diving events were held at USC’s aquatic center, which was constructed for the games. USC's outdoor track field was used as for athlete training and warm-ups, according to USC.
The University Bookstore was built in 1989. USC had a bookstore before that, but it was 4 times smaller. According to reporting by the L.A. Times, this expanded facility was made during a time when many colleges were renovating their bookstores to accommodate a surge in enrollment.
(Photo by Ling Luo)
1990s: Few buildings were built in the 1990s, but one of those buildings was Leavey Library. In its first year alone 1,005,246 visitors entered its doors.
A new feature in the library was having a help desk that could help with not only research, but technological support. In 1998, the library expanded its hours to include the 24-hour days it's well-known for.
2000s: After over 40 years of serving athletes, USC's outdoor track and field facility was rebuilt and re-opened in 2001 to include the Katherine B. Loker Stadium. In 2023, it would be renamed to celebrate Olympian and USC alumna Allyson Felix, the most decorated American track and field athlete in history.
The Ronald Tutor Hall of Engineering and Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall were also built during this time, further expanding the school's academic facilities.
2010s: The 2010s were a time of major change for the USC campus. Students would be able to go to the Engemann Student Health Center for their health and Ronald Tutor Campus Center for meals. The School of Cinematic Arts complex was constructed, along with many rehearsal and performance spaces for the Thornton School of Music. The John McKay Center, a 110,000-square foot facility, was constructed for athletics.
Wallis Annenberg Hall, Fertitta Hall, Iovine and Young Hall, Michelson Hall and the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center were also built during this decade of change. While not included in this map, the change extended beyond the borders of campus with the construction of the USC Village.
2020s and beyond: USC construction continues today with renovations, new buildings and even demolitions.
In 2022 USC began the demolition of Fluor Tower, then in 2023 continued with Marks and Trojan Hall. These dormitories had been vacant since the 2020 pandemic, but some had been standing for over 50 years.
Earlier last year, USC President Carol Folt announced plans for the construction of Rawlinson Stadium, along with a new football performance center. This year, USC plans to unveil the new Ginsburg Hall to support computer science programs at USC as well as renovations to the United University Church to serve as a new home for the School of Dramatic Arts.
