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Hillside Expansion pool table

Reaching New
Heights

Honoring our mission by looking to
the future.

Reaching New
Heights

Honoring our mission by
looking to the future.

Our Vision and Mission

Kirkwood by the River started as an aspiring idea, a concept that older adults could enjoy secure and comfortable housing, plus care and support in a compassionate environment. Faith in that idea and belief in its purpose has helped the Kirkwood community flourish and continue its mission for more than 40 years.

Kirkwood means many things to the residents who make these 120 acres along the Cahaba River their “home.” It provides quality care and service in a warm and welcoming environment. It’s also security for future healthcare by offering all levels of care on one campus for true peace of mind.

As we look for opportunities to stay true to our mission and continue our service to future generations, we have considered the changing landscape. What does it mean to live in a Life Plan Community today? How can we improve? We have learned that current residents and those who will make up our future residents are interested in wellness programs, social gathering spaces, activities, outdoor programs, unique dining experiences, and activities and entertainment. Today’s older adults want more choices and flexibility.

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Our Master Plan:
A Campus-Wide Renovation

Kirkwood has been listening and is moving forward with an ambitious repositioning and expansion plan. Our Master Plan for reinvesting in our campus will include:

  • A new Independent Living neighborhood.
  • A state-of-the-art Memory Care Assisted Living building.
  • Enhanced Dining Services.
  • A new Wellness Center featuring modern equipment and fitness studio.
  • Modernized Main Entrance.
  • Renovated Skilled Nursing and Short-Term Rehabilitation.
  • New Assisted Living Community.

We intend to create a destination community where individuals aspire to move and continue an active lifestyle with old and new friends. Please join us as we continue the realization of our vision and mission.

Independent Living

The first phase of our Master Plan consists of 18 single-family residences. These two-bedroom cottage-style homes will feature open floor plans, natural light, and a porch or patio for enjoying the wooded campus. You can increase the ample charm of these “modern mountain” homes with the option of adding a fireplace for additional ambiance, to warm up cool evenings or enjoy a cozy afternoon indoors. This idyllic, retreat-like setting along the Cahaba River provides the serenity found in nature, as well as the peace of mind that accompanies having a plan for future healthcare. A Cedar Ridge residence provides freedom from the hassles and stresses of daily home maintenance, repairs, and yard work. We are now taking priority reservations for Cedar Ridge at Kirkwood, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today at 205-855-5143.

Click below to learn more about Cedar Ridge at Kirkwood

Explore Cedar Ridge

Hillside Residences

New state-of-the-art Assisted Living and Memory Support community

The heart of Kirkwood’s new expansion is the Hillside Residences, our new, state-of-the-art Assisted Living and Memory Support building, featuring spacious studio one-and two-bedroom apartments with Juliette balconies (Assisted Living only) for direct access to fresh air. Additional upgrades will include multiple gathering spaces, a large welcoming dining room, and a terrace with a natural view. Residents will enjoy a secure courtyard located in the center of the building, complete with gas fire pits and a lounge area perfect for spending quality time outside. The new building decor will reflect Birmingham-based landmarks to designate its four neighborhoods, named Magic City, Vulcan, Sloss, and Alabama Theater.

Dining Services

Leveraging the natural beauty
of our campus

Kirkwood plans to enhance its Dining Services with The Overlook Cafe, the perfect place to meet a friend and enjoy a fresh salad, sandwich or a cup of soup. Grab some coffee in the morning or have drinks at night. Additional improvements include The Tree Top Lounge, a new billiards and game room, featuring ample seating where residents can meet friends while overlooking river and mountain views. Riverside Dining, our traditional dining venue offering a combination of southern delicacies, cooked to order and served restaurant-style, while enjoying views of the Cahaba River.

Main Entrance

Creating a warmer welcome

First impressions are important. Kirkwood will remodel its main entrance and lobby to design a more engaging greeting for our residents and guests. The open floor plan design will offer easy access to our new venues, The Overlook Cafe and The Tree Top Lounge. New comfortable seating will encourage opportunities for catching up with friends and receiving guests.

Skilled Nursing and
Short-Term Rehabilitation

New entrance and fully renovated living spaces

Our Skilled Nursing and short-term rehabilitation will have a new direct entrance and visitor parking. Sixteen of our private rooms will be moved to the second floor, allowing us to convert 32 semi-private beds into an additional 16 private rooms and 14 semi-private rooms on the first floor. Skilled Nursing’s renovation will also include new dining and activities spaces for both levels.

We are now taking priority reservations for Cedar Ridge and Hillside Residences!

Contact Sandi Hall at shall@kirkwoodbytheriver.com with questions or to talk about next steps.
Please fill out the form below or call us today 205.855.5143. One of our Sales Counselors reach out to you shortly.

Get in touch directly for more information or schedule a visit/tour?

Click the button to view our contact us page.

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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.

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