Architectural History

The Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign makes its home in the historic Cockins House. Designed and built in 1894 by the noted Los Angeles based architectural firm of James H. Bradbeer and Walter Ferris, both the Cockins House and its "twin" on the opposite side of 27th street were two of the firm's earliest works. William and Sarah Cockins owned the three-story, 5,570-square-foot Queen Anne Victorian home until 1903 when ownership passed to Thomas P. Newton, who resided there until 1908.

In 1911, the house was converted to a duplex, and in later decades served as a boarding house. It is rumored that during this time Charles Chaplin rented a room in the house - supposedly his first place of residence in Los Angeles. Additional boarders included USC students.

Over the years the building fell into disrepair. Neighbors submitted paperwork to declare the building a state historical landmark. This status was granted in 1991. USC formally acquired the building around this time and refurbished the exterior in 1997. The USC Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy takes pride in having revitalized this historic home into the Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign.