Website:https://prestoncastle.org/ (Preston Castle Foundation)http://www.packrat-pro.com/travel/prestonpic.htm (Shared Photo Gallery)
Description:Preston Castle was constructed in 1894 as the administration building for the Preston School of Industry, a reform school for boys. The Romanesque Revival style of architecture was to make the building look like a school rather than a prison. The Castle opened in June 1894 and remained in use until 1960. In 1960 the State planned to demolish the building and from 1960-1968 a group of local women fought to keep it standing. Once the State agreed to not tear the building down they also said they would do nothing to keep it standing. The building remained vacant and in disrepair until September 2001 when the Preston Castle Foundation leased the building from the State. And later, in 2014, the foundation was granted ownership of the Castle and 12.91 acres. ~ Preston Castle Foundation
Site Condition:The building is open to tours for the public and it is maintained by the Preston Castle Foundation. Recent Successes: Installed electrical service independent from surrounding State property Installed water and sewer service separate from surrounding State property Rebuilt center section of the Castle’s 4th Floor – helps stabilize walls New roofs on the Castle, Colonial, and the Visitor Center Landscaped grounds Installed new fire hydrants and water systems in front of Castle Greatly expanded Castle tours Passed a brick shear test—proved that the Castle’s outside brick walls are structurally sound Completed Strategic Plan Began working with outside expertise including Mike Garavalia, historical preservation architect and a structural engineer to guide restoration activities Installed improved gutters and downspouts Completed Core Historic Structures Report Created vintage Farm Museum Retrieved original Pelton Wheel electrical generator Showcased vintage printing equipment Installed outdoor lighting and replica street lights
General Notes:updated by: [Griffith, Sybil] 3/4/2026 3:55:25 PM
Jurisdictions::AMADOR COUNTY FILM COMMISSION, Ione
Within 30-Mile Zone: N
State Property: No
Closed/Vacant: Yes
GPS Source:Google Maps (interactive), x coordinate: 38.3610990, y coordinate: -120.9370320
Building Materials: Brick
Contacts: Hoffman, Rich *Film Commissioner, Amador County Film Commission9600 Summit Place, Jackson, CA 95642 USA(209) 304-3730 Phone 1[email protected]https://www.amadorgov.org/
Knobelauch, Karl *President, Preston Castle Foundation209.256.3623 Phone 1209.274.6533 Phone 2[email protected]
* Key Contact
