Historic Preston Restoration Foundation

Guidance and leadership for the management, restoration, redevelopment, and repurposing of the California state historic resources site that was first established in 1894 as the Preston School of Industry.

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Restoring Preston - Renovation of State Housing

Former State housing at Veteran's Circle and Palm Drive, to be devoloped, as low cost housing for Veteran and Indigenous families


Brief tour - Veterans Circle / Palm Drive. March 2021.

A walk around Veterans Circle with a view of the former residences there. Other residences on Palm Drive, along with the Superintendent's mansion are also viewed.


Old Preston School of Industry. History.

Old Preston School of Industry with most of the buildings as historic resources, will be an Historic Park District, as designated by the State Office of Historic Preservation. As the repurposing program is extended, the tours will be adapted to allow visitors to observe projects of the renewal and restoration efforts.

View of Preston Castle

Vocational Training. Extensively developed.

The Vocational Academy will prepare resident students and staff for skilled employment in the region. As individuals and families, military Veterans and Native Americans are frequently underserved in communities for education and health care services. Ancillary services will include development of supervised temporary and transitional living programs; and the renewal of previously operated medical and health care clinic facilities that will serve the local community.

Aerial view of Preston

Veterans Circle. Developed housing.

Seventeen acres outside the fenced perimeter was operated as housing for active duty custody staff at the institution prior to its closing in June 2011. This residential area was identified as Veterans Circle from as early as the 1950s when 24 living units or cottages were first constructed. The former staff housing area is planned for redevelopment and repurposing as transitional and permanent residences, primarily for military Veterans and Native American faculty and student teachers that serve at the Vocational Academy.

Veterans Circle