The unisex facility was established to reduce capacity issues at infirmaries at higher-security prisons in a cost-effective manner for lower-risk inmates.[2] The two-story building was purchased by the state government in 1993 and renovated at a cost of $6.5 million. It had dorms instead of cells and outdoor areas that inmates were allowed to freely roam; a private sweat lodge was constructed in the courtyard for Native American inmates.[3] Ahtanum View was one of two facilities proposed for closure in 2009 by the state government due to budget issues and the high per-inmate cost for the facility.[4] The facility closed permanently in February 2010. Most inmates were transferred to other prison infimaries or to a newly-expanded medical housing unit at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell, Washington.[3] The 60-bed work release facility adjacent to the convalescent hospital remained open.[5]