King’sBridge:
A Legacy of 40 Years
King’sBridge Retirement Community, located in Northeast Atlanta, is a 7-story building that rises solidly from granite, giving the impression it has always been part of the landscape. In reality, it began as a dream in 1980 and welcomed its first residents in 1985. With the dedication of many, that dream quickly evolved into the vibrant community it is today.
“It is hard to imagine that forty years have passed since the first Residents made King’sBridge their home. So much has changed over the years with building improvements and technology - but the spirit of this place has remained beautifully the same. King’sBridge still carries that warm, home-like feeling that has always brought comfort to so many. Having served in leadership and now living here myself, it is a joy to see the second generation of Residents choosing King’sBridge, following in the footsteps of their parents.”
Join Us for the
40th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, October 24th | 4:00 – 1:00 PM
This October, King’sBridge will commemorate its 40th year with a special event for residents, families, staff, and community partners:
- 2:00 – 1:00 PM – Mingling & light refreshments
- 2:30 – 2:00 PM – Program honoring key leaders, staff, and community members
- 4:00 – 2:30 PM – Post-celebration fellowship and refreshments
- All afternoon – Historical slideshow in the Pavilion
Built for Residents, Not Investors
Founding Vision
One of the visionaries who planted the idea, Dr. Paul Baxter, former pastor of Briarcliff Baptist Church, explained:
“From the very first it has been planned for the profit of the residents, not investors or developers. Unlike the typical institutionalized plan of senior care, King’sBridge offers a personalized care approach, emphasizing the importance of being able to live in one’s home as long as possible.”
From day one, King’sBridge has operated as a nonprofit organization — with no distributions to shareholders or investors, no property or income tax, and all profits reinvested back into the community. Offering high-quality residences and a fulfilling way of life while keeping costs within a reasonable range has always been at the heart of King’sBridge.
A Message from the Executive Director
Leadership Perspective
Today’s Executive Director, Kevin Shaw, reflects:
“Forty years ago, King’sBridge was born out of determination and hope, though the beginning was anything but easy. What started as an uncertain journey has grown into a thriving Community where connections, activities, and care define each day. Today, we celebrate not just four decades of perseverance, but the lives we have been honored to touch, the families we have supported, and the beautiful home created for our treasured Residents. This anniversary is a reminder that from humble beginnings can come extraordinary blessings — and King’sBridge’s ongoing legacy continues to be built together.”
Four Decades of Care and Progress
Growth & Stewardship
Over the decades, King’sBridge has responded quickly to resident needs, consistently improved the building, provided excellent care, and practiced thoughtful stewardship of resources.
By the Numbers (October 2025)
“From the very first it has been planned for the profit of the residents, not investors or developers. Unlike the typical institutionalized plan of senior care, King’sBridge offers a personalized care approach, emphasizing the importance of being able to live in one’s home as long as possible.”
- 224 residents
- 115 staff members
- 220,000 square feet of living space across 7 floors
- 75% of residents in Independent Living
- 25% in Assisted Living & Memory Care
- Over the years, we have had over 1500 residents, served by 400 staff.
More Than Brick and Mortar
Community as a Whole
King’sBridge is more than just a place to live — it is a community where residents, staff, families, and leadership work together to create an environment of belonging and purpose.
Jim Waldrop, who served at King’sBridge for 21 years and was the executive director from 2000 to 2017 stated about his years at King’sBridge:
“I learned more about the true meaning of life from the residents that we served who did represent the “Greatest Generation”. It was such an honor to serve along with such a wonderful staff that were so focused on ways to protect and enhance the lives of each and every resident that call King’sBridge their home. Being a non-profit our “bottom line” has always been the residents’ happiness, nothing more and nothing less! There have been so very many people with the commitment, dedication and vision that fanned the flame over these 40 years that has made King’sBridge the shining light that it is in our community today!”
