IMG 5041 UAB opens new $157M inpatient rehab facility in downtown Birmingham — UAB and community stakeholders, including Dawn Bulgarella, CEO of the UAB Health System (center in blue dress), cut the ribbon on the new UAB Rehabilitation Pavilion. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

UAB officially opened its new inpatient rehabilitation facility Monday, Aug. 18, furthering the medical system’s ability to provide world-class care to rehabilitation therapy patients.

The new, $156.7 million building, located on Seventh Avenue South, is directly adjacent to the Spain Rehabilitation Center and was built to be the inpatient replacement for the existing facility. UAB Medicine broke ground on the new building in May 2022.

UAB Rehab Pavilion Exterior IML 006 UAB opens new $157M inpatient rehab facility in downtown Birmingham — UAB Medicine broke ground on the research pavilion in 2022. (University of Alabama at Birmingham)

The UAB Medicine Rehabilitation Pavilion boasts a range of resources to help a variety of patients, including:

134 patient beds
Three therapy gyms
A seizure monitoring unit
A rooftop garden to aid mobility, cognition and range of motion
An outdoor terrain park and simulated city streetscape for practice with varied surfaces, curbs, crosswalks and ramps
An in-clinic auto simulator to prepare patients for car transfers
Recreational spaces like a putting green and basketball court
A multisensory room to reduce anxiety and agitation in patients with brain injuries
Private therapy rooms and speech therapy suites
Family rooms on each patient floor
Family laundry, nourishment areas and respite room with a patient art gallery
Two outdoor terraces

Rehab Pavilion Patient Room Lift UAB opens new $157M inpatient rehab facility in downtown Birmingham — Each room has a patient lift, allowing easy movement during treatment. (University of Alabama at Birmingham)

The new inpatient facility has an emphasis on neurorehabilitation care, making it an integral treatment center for patients recovering from strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and other related conditions.

“This hospital is more than a building — it is a promise to our patients and their families. Every hallway, therapy space and outdoor area was created with hope and healing in mind.”
Medical Director of UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center Robert Brunner, M.D.

Rehab Pavilion Interiors Terrain Park UAB opens new $157M inpatient rehab facility in downtown Birmingham — The pavilion has outdoor spaces, including the pictured recreation area, to allow for a variety of rehab therapies. (University of Alabama at Birmingham)

The Spain Rehabilitation Center was first built in 1964, and UAB wanted to take the next step to keep its rehab care cutting-edge and among the best in the world.

The current Spain Rehabilitation Center will continue to serve UAB’s outpatient rehabilitation patients.

“Although multiple renovations have been made throughout the years, we are thrilled to have a new facility that mirrors the level of expertise and the excellent care that we provide to our patients.”
Jeanette Ray, vice president of UAB Medicine Rehabilitation Services and Spain Rehabilitation Center

IMG 5042 UAB opens new $157M inpatient rehab facility in downtown Birmingham — Alabama and Birmingham-themed art is scattered throughout the building. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

Much of the facility has floor-to-ceiling windows, offering patients and staff a great view of the Birmingham cityscape and natural light. Alabama and Birmingham-themed art is scattered throughout the building.

UAB’s first facility dog, Topgun (affectionately known as “Toppy”), will continue as an active team member in therapy and uplifting spirits in the new pavilion.

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