Home • About Treyton Oak Towers • History
HistoryOur story.
A Louisville legacy of service, care, and community.
For more than 40 years, Treyton Oak Towers has been part of the fabric of Old Louisville — a place where older adults can live with independence, support, dignity, and peace of mind.
What began as a bold vision for senior housing has grown into one of Kentucky’s longest-standing Life Plan Communities, offering residents a full continuum of care under one roof. From the beginning, Treyton Oak Towers has been guided by a simple belief: when there is a need in the community, respond with compassion, commitment, and action.
It began with a vision to serve Louisville seniors.
The story of Treyton Oak Towers begins with Dr. Wayne Dehoney, who became pastor of Walnut Street Baptist Church in 1967. During his ministry, Dr. Dehoney encouraged the church to look closely at the needs of the wider community and respond in meaningful ways. His philosophy was simple and direct: “If you see a hurt, heal it; if you see a need, fill it.”
One of those needs was senior housing. Through the vision of the church and the generosity of its members, Walnut Street Baptist Church first helped create Baptist Towers, a high-rise community with 199 living units for low-income seniors in Louisville. That effort revealed an even broader need: more housing and care options for middle- and upper-middle-income older adults.
That need became the foundation for what would eventually become Treyton Oak Towers.
From Norton Infirmary to Treyton Oak Towers
In 1975, Norton’s Infirmary — located on nine acres behind Walnut Street Baptist Church between Second and Third Streets along Oak Street — became available for purchase. Although the property presented a major challenge, Walnut Street Baptist Church saw an opportunity to create something lasting for Louisville’s seniors.
In 1977, the church elected an independent board of directors for Third and Oak Inc., a not-for-profit subsidiary corporation, and charged that board with developing a total life care retirement ministry on the Norton property.
By 1980, the site had been prepared. The former Norton Infirmary buildings were razed, and on September 27, 1982, a groundbreaking ceremony was held with the Board of Directors and local and state dignitaries in attendance.
In the spring of 1984, the first resident moved into Treyton Oak Towers.
A name rooted in place.
The name Treyton Oak Towers comes from the community’s location at Third and Oak. From its earliest days, the name has reflected both its physical home and its deeper connection to the neighborhood around it.
When it opened, Treyton Oak Towers included 209 apartments and a 60-bed health care center within a twelve-story complex. The original concept was to create an environment where seniors could live independently while having access to support as needs changed.
That founding idea remains central to Treyton Oak Towers today.
Proud to call Old Louisville home.
Treyton Oak Towers is located at 211 West Oak Street, surrounded by the tree-lined streets, historic architecture, arts, culture, and neighborhood character of Old Louisville. Our twelve-story community is positioned near Central Park, downtown Louisville, and the University of Louisville, placing residents close to many of the city’s cultural and educational destinations.
Our location is more than an address. It is part of our identity. For more than four decades, Treyton Oak Towers has offered residents a home in one of Louisville’s most distinctive neighborhoods — connected to the city, rooted in service, and shaped by community.
A history of planning for the whole person.
From the beginning, Treyton Oak Towers was designed to support independence while making future care easier to access. Today, that vision continues through a complete continuum of care, with services available under one roof now and into the future.
Residents can begin in Independent Living and, if needs change, access additional support through Personal Care, Memory Care, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, Wellness programs, and transition services. This connected approach gives residents and families confidence, continuity, and peace of mind.
Built on history. Focused on what comes next.
Treyton Oak Towers began with a vision to meet a real need in Louisville. More than 40 years later, that vision continues through a nonprofit Life Plan Community where residents can live independently, access care as needs change, and remain connected to a place that feels like home.
Discover the history, hospitality, and peace of mind that make Treyton Oak Towers a trusted choice for senior living in Louisville.
Timeline of Treyton Oak Towers
1967
Dr. Wayne Dehoney became pastor of Walnut Street Baptist Church, where his ministry emphasized responding to the needs of people across ages and backgrounds.
1975
Norton’s Infirmary, located along Oak Street behind Walnut Street Baptist Church, became available for purchase. The property would become the future home of Treyton Oak Towers.
1977
An independent board of directors was elected for Third and Oak Inc., a not-for-profit corporation created to develop a total life care retirement ministry.
1980
The preliminary site was prepared as the former Norton Infirmary buildings were razed.
1982
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 27, marking the beginning of construction for Treyton Oak Towers.
1984
The first resident moved into Treyton Oak Towers. The new twelve-story community opened with 209 apartments and a 60-bed health care center.
2009
The Treyton Oak Towers Foundation was established to raise, invest, and distribute charitable resources to support residents facing financial hardship and special projects that improve the community.
Today
Treyton Oak Towers continues as a nonprofit Life Plan Community in Old Louisville, offering a complete continuum of care under one roof, including Independent Living, Personal Care, Memory Care, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing, Wellness, and supportive services.