Frequently Asked Questions
Castle Tours
Can I tour the castle?
Normally you could take either a guided or self guided tour. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic TOURS are not available. Please click here to join our mailing list to get updates on tours, events, news and special opportunities in the future. Or check back to our website for information about when tours will resume in the future.
Facts About the Castle
When was the castle built?
The castle was built between 1890 and 1894. Learn more here: ABOUT US
What is the size of the castle?
Who owns the Preston Castle?
When was the castle used as a correctional institute for minors?
The Castle was built in 1894 as the administration building for the Preston School of Industry and housed boys from 1894 to 1960. For more information on the history of Preston Castle, visit ABOUT US.
Is the castle a historic landmark?
Why should the castle be restored?
Being well over 125 years old, the Preston Castle overflows with craftsmanship both inside and out that is rarely, if ever, seen in modern buildings. Preservation of the castle means saving a historically significant California landmark. The speed at which the Preston Castle can be recovered also depends upon the support of its members and volunteers, and the longer the Castle goes without repair, the more history California loses forever.
How much will the repairs of the Preston Castle cost?
A structural analysis of the castle is underway to determine the full extent of the repairs necessary to preserve and rehabilitate the Preston Castle. The full cost is unknown at this time, but ranges upward from $25-$30 million.
What are the future plans for use of the Preston Castle?
Because the building is so large, the castle will probably be a multi-purpose building. Possible uses might include an event center, culinary school and restaurant, boutique hotel, museum, retail shops and office space. The Foundation’s goal is for the building to be self-sustaining.
The Preston Castle Foundation
What is the Preston Castle Foundation?
The Preston Castle Foundation is made of a Board of Directors and members. Click here for more information about MEMBERSHIP and for more info on the Board of Directors, visit Foundation Board.
What is the mission of the Preston Castle Foundation?
What are the goals of the Preston Castle Foundation?
The Preston Castle Foundation’s goals:
- Securing adequate funding through various sources to preserve and rehabilitate the Castle.
- Creating on-going awareness, recognition and support of the preservation and rehabilitation projects of the Preston Castle Foundation through planned events and public relations activities.
Supporting the Castle
How do I become a member of the Preston Castle Foundation?
To become a member of the Preston Castle Foundation, visit Membership. Your membership donation is tax deductible.
What type of support does the Preston Castle Foundation need?
There are several ways you can help support the Preston Castle Foundation’s mission of restoring this important piece of Californian culture. Aside from becoming a member, the Foundation is thankful for the many generous donations of funds, physical labor, skills and equipment contributions.
Learn more about donating or volunteering online.
If you know of a way in which you or someone you know could help the Foundation, please send us an email to info@prestoncastle.org or call us at (209) 256-3623. Your donations are tax deductible.