Birmingham, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The University of Alabama at Birmingham recently opened its new UAB Medicine Rehabilitation Pavilion, a $156.7 million facility focusing on neurorehabilitation. Designed to assist patients recovering from strokes and other injuries, the Pavilion features 134 patient beds, specialized therapy areas, and recreational spaces. Notable facilities include an outdoor terrain park, rooftop garden, and advanced technology to support recovery. This innovative space aims to enhance the rehabilitation experience and foster hope for patients and their families.
Exciting New Rehabilitation Pavilion Opens in Birmingham
City dwellers, you might want to take note of some *fantastic news* coming out of Birmingham! On August 18th, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) officially unveiled its brand-new inpatient rehabilitation facility, the UAB Medicine Rehabilitation Pavilion, which comes with an impressive price tag of $156.7 million. This state-of-the-art building, located conveniently on Seventh Avenue South, is right next to the existing Spain Rehabilitation Center.
A Step Forward in Rehabilitation
Revolutionizing the way rehabilitation is approached, this new facility replaces the older one that has been serving patients since 1964. After breaking ground in May 2022, the team has worked hard to create a space that focuses heavily on neurorehabilitation care for individuals recovering from strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and a host of related conditions.
What’s Inside?
The Pavilion isn’t just another building; it’s a carefully designed environment built to promote real-world recovery. With 134 patient beds, the facility is equipped with therapy gyms, private therapy rooms, and specialized speech therapy suites. One of the standout features is a top-notch seizure monitoring unit that allows for comprehensive clinical care integrated with research and education for those battling epilepsy.
But it gets even better! This facility is bathed in natural light and boasts incredible indoor and outdoor spaces tailored to assist patients in regaining everyday life skills. A rooftop garden provides a lovely escape where residents can work on mobility, cognition, and range of motion activities.
Practicing Real-Life Skills
In terms of unique features, the Pavilion includes an exciting outdoor terrain park and a simulated streetscape. These areas enable patients to practice navigating diverse surfaces, curbs, crosswalks, and ramps safely. Additionally, for those eager to get back behind the wheel, there’s an in-clinic auto simulator that helps prepare patients for car transfers.
Making Recovery Fun!
Around the campus, there are various recreational spaces including a putting green and a basketball court to help promote fun activity for both patients and their families during their rehabilitation journey. Each floor of the facility is tailored to specific patient populations, ensuring that patients, their families, and care teams are kept together for seamless support throughout recovery.
Top-Notch Technology and Amenities
The Pavilion is outfitted with advanced technology that fosters therapeutic recovery, including robotic arm devices, tilt tables, and virtual reality gait treadmills. For a touch of comfort and convenience for families, the design incorporates amenities such as lounge areas, laundry facilities, and nourishment stations, along with delightful outdoor terraces that offer stunning city views.
Meet Topgun!
As an added bonus, the beloved facility dog, Topgun (or “Toppy”), will continue to play a crucial role in therapy sessions, helping to lift spirits and bring joy to all who enter. UAB leaders emphasize that this pavilion represents a promise—a space designed to foster hope and healing for each and every patient and their families.
While the new Pavilion opens its doors for inpatient care, the existing Spain Rehabilitation Center will continue to serve outpatient rehabilitation patients, ensuring that UAB’s commitment to comprehensive rehabilitation is fully realized.
FAQs
What types of rehabilitation does the UAB Medicine Rehabilitation Pavilion specialize in?
The Pavilion focuses primarily on neurorehabilitation care for patients recovering from strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and related conditions.
How many patient beds are available in the facility?
The UAB Medicine Rehabilitation Pavilion is equipped with 134 patient beds.
Does the facility have recreational areas for patients?
Yes, it includes recreational spaces such as a putting green and a basketball court designed to enhance the therapeutic experience.
Key Features at the UAB Medicine Rehabilitation Pavilion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Patient Beds | 134 |
| Seizure Monitoring Unit | Integrated clinical care for epilepsy |
| Rooftop Garden | Area for mobility and cognition activities |
| Outdoor Terrain Park | Simulated streetscape for practicing daily navigation |
| Family Amenities | Lounges, laundry, outdoor terraces with city views |
| Facility Dog | Topgun, assisting in therapy |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Bham Now: UAB Opens New $157M Inpatient Rehab Facility
- Wikipedia: Rehabilitation
- WBRC: UAB Cuts Ribbon on New Rehabilitation Pavilion
- Google Search: Rehabilitation facilities
- Trussville Tribune: UAB Opens $156.7 Million Rehabilitation Pavilion
- Google Scholar: Neurorehabilitation
- Birmingham Times: UAB’s Impact in Birmingham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rehabilitation therapy
- CBS 42: UAB Celebrates Opening of Rehabilitation Pavilion
- Google News: Rehabilitation news
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
