155 & 157 Cowan Avenue were 

155 & 157 Cowan Avenue were both constructed in 1893/1894 and are representative of the late 19th century residential development of Parkdale. 

155 Cowan Avenue was originally home to James Corcoran (c. 1830-1915), who served as the Bursar (Financial Administrator) of the Mimico Asylum and Toronto Asylum for many years. James Corcoran - who was born Londonderry, Northern Ireland and emigrated to Canada - was also formerly the President of the Stratford and Lake Huron Railroad in the 1870s and was noted to have been a close friend of Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie (the 2nd Prime Minister of Canada).  James Corcoran later moved a few doors south to 149 Cowan Avenue. 

157 Cowan Avenue was originally home to Joseph Lennox (c. 1841-1922). Joseph Lennox was a lumber merchant who also owned a shredded wood and wood wool (Excelsior) factory on Dundas Street West near Bathurst Street.  While he was born in Ontario, Joseph Lennox's parents were originally also from Londonderry, Northern Ireland.


By the late 20th and early 21st century, 155 and 157 Cowan Avenue were both rooming houses.


In 2013/2014, all of the tenants were evicted due to a forthcoming redevelopment which included restoration of the two houses. However, since 2013/2014, the buildings have sat vacant and increasingly derelict. This property has been the site of significant community and housing related activism.