Commemorating 40 years of King’sBridge

King’s Bridge Retirement Community, located in Northeast Atlanta, a 7-story building sitting solidly atop granite, presents the stately look of a structure that has always been in place. However, it began as a dream in 1980, opened to its first residents in 1985, and quickly evolved, with the help of many dedicated people, into the vibrant Community it is today.

One of the visionaries that planted King’sBridge, Dr. Paul Baxter, former pastor of Briarcliff Baptist Church, said, “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.”

Offering a high-quality residence and way of life while keeping costs within a reasonable range has always been a priority for King’sBridge. From the beginning, it has been a non-profit organization with no distributions to shareholders or investors, no property or income tax, and all profits going back to the Community.

The current Executive Director, Kevin Shaw states, “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.”  

King’sBridge has come a long way since welcoming its first Residents in October 1985. It has established a practice of reacting quickly to Residents’ needs, building improvements to remain current, excellence in providing senior care, and thoughtful stewardship of resources.  

In October 2025, King’sBridge comprises 224 residents and 115 staff; the building covers 220,000 square feet and has 7 floors; 73% of its residents are Independent Living and 27% are Assisted Living and Memory Care.

It is much like a town with many pieces: care of Residents, building maintenance & improvement, Resident life & activities, logistics, and financial. All these elements must work together for Residents to be satisfied consistently. King’sBridge IS its Residents, Staff, Corporation, Culture, Building, and Families—all working as a community. In Jim Waldrop’s words, “King’s Bridge is more than a brick-and-mortar building; it is a living organism.”

This history is not complete. King’sBridge will further evolve with its Residents and Staff as they embrace the future with its undreamed-of opportunities. At the same time, it will continue its firmly established culture as a caring community for society’s most honored citizens, its seniors, to age in place with dignity.