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Introducing the Renovation Team: KPS

By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date July 15, 2021

This month, we would like to introduce you to our talented group of architects at KPS Group, who have developed a love for Kirkwood and a desire to bring our vision for the future of Kirkwood to life.

Established in 1965, KPS Group provides architecture, interior design, planning, and related consulting services across the southeast region from their Birmingham, Alabama headquarters. We are blessed to have such a talented group right here in our own city! One Birmingham, One Kirkwood.

KPS Group has designed our beautiful new lobby and shared community spaces, and the addition of “The Overlook Cafe” in the main living area. Our “Tree Top Pub” will be a billiards room and bar where residents can meet friends and enjoy views of the Cahaba River. The current dining room will also be renovated and named “Riverside Dining”. KPS has designed a modernized lobby and entrance which we hope will create community connectedness, a place where all residents can socialize and enjoy life together.  

This talented group has also worked on our brand new, state of the art Assisted Living and Memory Care Assisted Living building. This space will include large studio, one bedroom and two-bedroom apartments on both levels of care. Assisted Living will have Juliette balconies for direct access to fresh air, multiple gathering spaces, a large welcoming dining room, a beautiful terrace with views of nature and a courtyard including gas firepits and lounging areas. Memory Care Assisted Living will have their own secure courtyard located in the center of the building where residents will be able to freely walk outside and throughout the community.

Lastly, Skilled Nursing and short-term rehabilitation will be renovated to have a new direct entrance and parking for visitors. Sixteen private rooms will be moved to the second floor, complete with a new therapy gym. Which, then, will allow us to convert 32 semi-private beds into 32 private rooms. The renovation will also include new dining and activities spaces for both levels of Skilled Nursing and updates throughout. 

“Our goals on every project are to provide you with a consistently positive experience working with us, to exceed your expectations with designs and services that add tangible value to your endeavors, and to create great places for people.”

We are thrilled to partner with KPS Group and can’t wait for our vision to come to life in the coming months!

 

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The Residents

Our residents come from different backgrounds and bring their unique qualities, talents, and life experiences to complete the Kirkwood community. Here are just a few reflections from some individuals who call Kirkwood their home.

My time at Kirkwood was spectacular; they taught me how to walk again. The staff was outstanding, and the care was beyond reproach. When I arrived, I had a long way to go. I was very sick. The first night, they had to lift me as I could not move by myself. When I left, they were chasing me down the hallway. They taught me how to perform the activities of daily living again. It was the best care I could have prayed for, and on top of that, the food was spectacular.

Eli Gold Past Resident

I fell in love with the cottage and the view from my back porch. I am excited to have a yard for Ginger, my poodle, to play in and my own garage, all within an established retirement community!

Charlotte Hamilton Current Resident

My husband and I looked at a number of places when deciding to move to a retirement community. For the most part, we found communities that said, ‘We’re going to take care of you.’ But Kirkwood was different. It wasn’t just about taking care of us. It was also about having fun, having friends, and living life to the fullest. The attitude at Kirkwood was positive and the atmosphere was comforting. We simply couldn’t resist. Without a doubt, the location was ideal. The Cahaba Room that overlooks the river, the mountains, the trails – there were just so many things about life. The community was lively. It was alive.

Alice Brooks Current Resident

We realized we were approaching an age where we might need more assistance than what just downsizing could provide. Knowing we have my sons nearby and the levels of care should we need it is comforting, and the beautiful hillside, river, and the woods makes it that much more appealing. We don’t know of any other community that has the woods, the various levels of care, and so many different amenities.

Phyllis and John Guschke Current Residents

We were moving my parents down from the Cleveland area to be near us. I looked at almost every retirement place in the Birmingham area. The second I turned into Kirkwood’s drive and drove up the hill, I knew that I’d found the perfect place for my parents to live in Alabama. In the six years that my parents have been at Kirkwood, I have always felt nothing but love and helpfulness from every staff member. Everyone is always helpful with a pleasant attitude. You can truly see and feel the family atmosphere. I’m happy that my parents can call Kirkwood their home.

Brenda Sheehan Kirkwood family member

When we learned that Cedar Ridge was being developed, that seemed to fit our needs very well. It is the ideal place for the next phase of our retirement.

Carol and Arthur Stephens Current Residents

One thing that we feel is very important here at Kirkwood by the River is the relationship that we have between the staff and the residents. They are dedicated to making our life here as safe and secure and pleasurable as possible. That goes a long way.

Fred Rogers Current Resident

The community's cottage living surrounded by a wooded, natural environment with access to future healthcare services is what attracted us to Kirkwood!

Rick and Jane Ricketts Current Residents