The legacy of the clay tile roof at the University of Southern California's Physical Education Building (PED).

Standing proudly on the University of Southern California campus, the Physical Education Building (PED) is more than a place where generations of Trojans have gathered to learn, train, and compete. Look above its walls, windows, and historic entrance, and you'll find another important part of its story: its clay tile roof.

Completed in 1930, the PED Building reflects an era when university buildings were designed to be both functional and beautiful. Its architects, John and Donald Parkinson, understood that a building's character was defined not only by its structure but also by the details that gave it a lasting identity.

The clay tile roof was an important part of that vision.

There is something particularly interesting about the longevity of clay tile. Unlike many modern roofing materials that are replaced as part of relatively short maintenance cycles, properly maintained clay tiles can serve for generations. Individual tiles can be repaired or replaced while much of the original roof remains in place. That makes historic clay tile roofs especially valuable in the preservation of older buildings.

Over nearly a century, as generations of Trojans have walked beneath it, this roof has silently witnessed the evolution of the campus and its community.

The recent roof renovation by 2026 TSP Roof Systems highlights the importance of preserving such historical elements. By saving over 90% of the original tiles, the renovation underscores a commitment to maintaining the building’s character while ensuring it continues to serve the community for another 50 years.