Oakview Village has a long and storied history behind its new purpose as a senior independent living community. Prior to becoming Oakview Village, Atascadero Christian Home was an assisted living facility which included a skilled nursing location, a memory care unit as well as cottage homes for those seniors who were still independent.

Located near Atascadero Lake and envisioned by the Mr. Robert L. West Family as a retirement home for missionaries and pastors, Atascadero Christian Home incorporated in 1957 as a religious non-profit organization with the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ (belonging to the historical Restoration Movement of Christianity in America). A later name change in the facility in the early 1990’s would now reflect a better vision of ministry toward the larger public community and the home would now be called Atascadero Christian Community. Recognizing a need to care for the elderly in general, the focus shifted to a dual-purpose program of apartment and studio living providing assisted living services as well as independent living.

Wendell Inman, Mr. West’s son-in-law, began the work immediately by residing in an historical farmhouse on the property. The first few residents stayed in this farmhouse awaiting completion of the first rooms. In those early days, the administrator’s duties included bookkeeping, public relations, construction, cooking, bottle washing, and a multitude of chores.

Atascadero Christian Home officially opened its doors late in 1959. That same year a group of ministers from Southern California heard about Atascadero Christian Home and planned a visit. Wendell, along with a coworker, were in the process of framing the first building. An unusual storm hit suddenly with forceful winds that lifted the roof and knocked down the walls. Undeterred, Wendell began salvaging all materials possible, starting anew. The pastors believed such a spirit would drive success and were inspired to provide financial support.