Discover the History of 10 Wilmington Place

Long before it became a senior living community, the building at 10 Wilmington Place was a historic space here in Dayton, Ohio. It evolved from a hospital into a massive community-led renovation that created the home our residents, staff, and family know and love today. Built in 1855, the stately property has stood through more than 170 years of change in the Dayton community. Today, it is home to seniors who appreciate its historic character as much as the comfort of modern living.

For history lovers looking for a retirement community in Dayton, 10 Wilmington Place offers something few communities can match. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its story is woven into the history of the city itself.

From Hospital to Historic Landmark

The building now known as 10 Wilmington Place was originally constructed in 1855 and operated as a hospital by the State of Ohio for more than a century. The hospital eventually closed in 1976 when the state no longer had a need for the facility.

The property sat vacant for several years. Without anyone to care for it, the once-grand building fell into disrepair and became vulnerable to vandalism and further deterioration. Its future was uncertain.

That changed in the early 1980s when developer Barry Humphries organized a group of investors with a plan to restore the property and give it a new purpose: a senior living community that the area desperately needed at the time. The project required years of work and considerable advocacy, with City of Dayton, Dayton Chamber of Commerce, union leaders and members, and concerned Dayton residents helping bring the vision to life.

One of Ohio's Largest Historic Renovations

Saving the building was no small undertaking. More than $21 million was invested in the property, and the renovation included several major setbacks. Two fires occurred during the project, including one that destroyed the dome above the main entrance.

The team continued working to preserve as much of the original structure and character as possible. Much of the surrounding property, previously known as Wilmington Woods, also remained intact.

When the renovation was completed, 10 Wilmington Place opened its doors in 1986. At the time, it was the largest historic renovation ever completed in the state of Ohio.

A New Chapter for 10 Wilmington Place

When 10 Wilmington Place first opened, the community offered Independent Living. Over the years, the community expanded to meet the changing needs of its residents, adding Assisted Living as well as a specialized Memory Care community.

And it didn’t stop there. Barry Humphries recognized an opportunity to create a health care campus surrounding 10 Wilmington Place.

Four acres of adjacent land were sold to doctors’ offices, eight acres for a nursing home, and Humphries helped Hospice of Dayton acquire their site from the state of Ohio.

Now, more than 40 years later, 10 Wilmington Place has a beautiful 34-acre campus, conveniently surrounded by critical healthcare facilities should residents ever need to utilize their services.

But the property itself remains at the heart of the community.

Residents enjoy the details and architecture that make the building unique while living in a community designed for today's older adults - a perfect balance of independence, activity, and a surrounding of care.

That combination makes 10 Wilmington Place a distinctive choice for seniors and their families who love history and are considering Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care in Dayton. There are few places where residents can embrace the joy of their next chapter inside a property with such a connection to Ohio and Dayton history, while being confident in their care and well-being.

Family-Owned From the Beginning

Barry Humphries has owned and operated 10 Wilmington Place continuously since its opening in 1986. Today, the Humphries/Williams family remains actively involved in the management of the community.

That family connection is an important part of the 10 Wilmington Place story. The same property that once required an entire community to rally around its preservation is now a place where residents, families, and team members build connections of their own.

A Historic Home for the Next Chapter

More than 140 years after the building was constructed, 10 Wilmington Place found a new purpose. Today, it is a family-owned senior living community where residents can enjoy historic architecture, beautiful grounds, and the conveniences of modern senior living in a setting that has been part of Dayton's story for generations.

For those searching for a Dayton retirement community with historic charm, 10 Wilmington Place offers the chance to become part of that story. Come see the property, learn more about its history, and experience the community for yourself.

Schedule a tour of 10 Wilmington Place today.