Longleaf at Liberty Park
Vestavia Hills, AL
Longleaf at Liberty Park
Project Information
Location: Vestavia Hills, AL
Client: Braemar Partners
Architect: Niles Bolton Associates
Contractor: Robins & Morton
Product Type: Assisted Living & Memory Care Community
Units: 95 (68 AL & 27 MC)
PROJECT AWARDS
NAHB 2021 Best of 55+ Housing Awards
Silver Award
2020 SHN Architecture & Design Awards
Best Assisted Living Facility - Third Place
2020 PCBC Aurora Awards
Best Service Enriched Service Community - Finalist
About the Design
Situated outside of historic Birmingham, Longleaf at Liberty Park combines the tranquil atmosphere of surrounding Vestavia Hills, Alabama, with an array of amenities and designs framing sweeping views that inspire interaction and engagement, provide a strong connection to nature, and capture the comforts of home. Reminiscent of a quaint wayside cottage, Longleaf’s cohesive design starts on the exterior that incorporates architectural cues from the surrounding area with cottage-styled board and batten trim, curved eaves, and lap siding. From the moment you enter, the community greets you with bright hospitality and southern charm. The curved archways, white-washed brick, and wood paneling welcome residents and guests into a time of sophisticated, southern comfort. Each space provides a glimpse to the next, revealing subtle details that encourage thoughtful circulation throughout the building. Built-in window seating along the way allows residents to stop and take in the lush landscape or rest as they reach their activities or residences. Placing tall, expansive windows along exterior walls and several outdoor gardens overlooking Shade Mountain’s vibrant foliage, the design team successfully created a biophilic haven enriched with nature, community, and engagement for residents.
With a strong emphasis on hospitality-type finishes and the absence of obvious institutional elements, potential residents and their families can easily envision Longleaf at Liberty Park as their home. Distinctively crafted amenities, including a sports lounge, salon and spa, gourmet dining venues, senior-centric fitness center, art studio, theater, and library, create an enriching environment supporting the 68 assisted living residences and 27 memory care suites.
The artwork highlights local and regional landmarks and generates conversation for residents while acting as memory stimulation for individuals who grew up in the area. Even the sports lounge, envisioned to be a destination among the residents’ children and grandchildren, hosts functional vintage skeeball and pinball machines. A curated collection of interior and exterior details, each facet of the design engages the residents, their families, and the staff.