This institution was established in 1899 as a home for the elderly. Its founders, members of the St. Louis German community, wanted to provide a “hospitable haven to all decent elderly citizens, regardless of religious or national background, who can no longer maintain a home of their own.”

The Ladies Society of the St. Louis Altenheim and a Men’s Society raised funds for the construction and operation of the institution, which opened in 1902.  There were many generous donors from the German community, including Adolphus Busch, who donated $10,000 between 1898 and 1902, and left a bequest of $50,000 at the time of his 1914 death. He is remembered at the Altenheim with a memorial plaque.

At present (2002) it serves as a retirement home and nursing facility for its residents.