Veterans Circle

In 2013 the residential area external to the perimeter of the former Preston Youth Correctional Facility, was reassigned as surplus. Approximately 17 acres was operated as specialized lodging for active duty custody staff at the institution prior to its closing in June 2011. This unique transitional residential area was identified as Veterans Circle from as early as the 1950s when 24 living units or cottages were first constructed.

The Veterans Circle former staff housing area is planned for redevelopment and repurposing as specialized residential property primarily for military veterans and Native American faculty and student teachers that serve at the Institute. This versatile area will be adapted for the technical and construction trades educational programs.

There were 485 employees at Preston Youth Facility just before it closed. Many staff asked that Mule Creek prison might continue to operate the residences. There are a disproportionate number of military veterans in the foothills region, and it is an interesting coincidence that the name Veterans Circle was given to the area, perhaps as a recognition of the devoted service of veteran youth correctional staff that served for many years at Preston School of Industry.