​Santiam Correctional Institution (SCI) was constructed in 1946 and used as an annex to the Oregon State Hospital for mental health patients. In 1960 the building was acquired by Fairview Home and given the name Frederic Prigg Cottage. In 1977 Prigg Cottage opened as a minimum custody pre-release center to ease overcrowded conditions at Oregon State Penitentiary, Oregon State Correctional Institution and Oregon Women's Correctional Center. During the 1980's, Prigg Cottage evolved into Corrections Division Release Center, the Department of Corrections Release Center, and finally, in 1990 became SCI. For efficiency SCI and Mill Creek Correctional Facility were administratively joined in 1992 under the management of one superintendent.