The need for a home for the aging in Northeastern Ohio was first discussed in 1880 at Church of the Brethren district meeting. Although discussed frequently, no action was taken until the 1930’s when the idea was presented to district leaders. A committee studied the issue and contacted similar institutions to become familiar with the cost of building and operating such a facility. Upon completion of the study, the committee determined that the project costs were currently beyond the district’s financial resources.

The urgency to provide a place for those in need within the Northeastern Ohio District was again brought to the attention of district leaders at their annual meeting in 1955. The District Mission Board began searching for a desirable property on which to locate a home. The Mission Board evaluated several locations and selected a farm property that would meet the Districts current needs and offer room for future expansion.

A special meeting of the delegates to the District was held at the Chippewa Church of the Brethren on October 30, 1955. The delegates authorized the Mission Board to purchase the Susan J. Irvin property, consisting of 57 acres with a ten room farmhouse and barn.

In 1966, an additional 20 residential care apartments and 47 intermediate nursing care suites were added to meet the increasing care needs of the elderly applying for admission. In 1971, 46 additional intermediate nursing care suites were added, bringing West View Manor’s capacity to 93 intermediate care suites and 46 residential care apartments.

Since many people requested independent living cottages, the Board of Directors agreed that adding to the continuum of care was in West View Manor’s long term interest. In 1983, six cottages were built and immediately sold. The broadening of living options prompted a name change to West View Manor Retirement Center. Twelve additional cottages were developed over the next four years.

In February 1995, the Board of Trustees commissioned a committee to address the need for renovation and to investigate the feasibility of the expansion of West View Manor. Architects were hired to assist in this evaluation, and together, the committee and architect found a significant shift in people’s expectations of their physical environments, care and services. Larger rooms with more privacy, modern décor and furnishings and more functional activity spaces were indicated. It was evident that the situation needed addressed.

The Board wished to preserve the history of West View Manor while providing the special features needed to make its residents more comfortable. Renovations began in 1996 and were completed by 1998. The result was a state-of-the-art facility complete with unique room layouts and dining options found only at West View Manor.

In July, 2003, construction began on Town Square at West View, a new 50,000 square foot assisted living facility with a special neighborhood for the memory impaired.

The Town Square approach distinguishes this project from other facilities. The indoor streetscape resembles an early 1900’s village. The town center serves as a connecting link between the assisted living residences and the nursing center by incorporating an array of options such as a café, chapel, movie theatre, beauty salon, general store, library, wellness clinic, and education center. Additionally, to foster inter-generational activities, “Grandma’s House” provides children with a play area and encourages casual visits with friends and families.

This project represents a new beginning for West View Manor in the ministry of providing care and services to the aged in Wooster and surrounding communities.