It’s almost ready! Start planning your visit to the 2016 Southern Living Idea House.
Since announcing in February that the 2016 Southern Living Idea House would reside in Mt Laurel, our community has been eagerly anticipating its grand opening. To satiate your curiosity in the meantime, our team—in collaboration with the Southern Living Magazine team—has been reporting on the progress of the house, the part it plays in our community, and the team that is creating it. Now, with just days until it is ready for visitors, it’s hard to believe that the designers are putting their final touches on the house.
On June 25, the Idea House will open its doors—inviting visitors to experience the innovative design of both the interior and exterior. If a visit to the house is on your itinerary this summer, we’ve pulled together the key information you’ll need to plan a fun and easy trip—from getting to the house itself to exploring the surrounding community.
GETTING THERE
Situated on the edge of Shelby County, only minutes from Highway 280, Mt Laurel is located in the Birmingham, Alabama metro area and is easily accessible from whichever direction you’re coming from.
If you’re coming from downtown Birmingham, Highway 280 East, you’ll access the community by taking a left on Hugh Daniel Drive and a right on Highway 41. Mt Laurel will be just 1.3 miles down Highway 41 on your left.
If you’re trip brings you down Highway 280 West, coming from the Chelsea area, you’ll simply take a right on Highway 41 and then Mt Laurel will be 3.2 miles down on your right.
Once you arrive at Mt Laurel, the address of the house is 10 Nolen St, Birmingham, AL 35242, and street parking will be available on Kessler Street.
TOURING THE HOUSE
Starting June 25th, the Idea House will be open to the public until December 18th. During those months, the house will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but visitors can tour the house between the hours of 10am and 4pm, Wednesdays through Saturdays, and from 12pm to 4pm on Sundays.
Tickets to tour the house cost $15 and will be available at the door when you arrive. While tickets will not be available to purchase online in advance, there will be plenty available, so there’s no need to worry about them selling out.
After you’ve purchased your ticket, you’ll be free to explore and friendly volunteers will be stationed nearby to answer questions.
EXPERIENCING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
The Southern Living Idea House itself will be a full experience, but we hope your trip won’t end when you wrap up your tour.
Mt Laurel was chosen to host the 2016 Idea House not only because of its beautiful aesthetic, but also because of the community it fosters. The Town Center is home to a variety of restaurants and specialty shops that are easily accessible from the Idea House.
From Mt Laurel, you’ll be only minutes away from all that Birmingham has to offer. Selected by Forbes magazine as one of the Best Destinations for Summer Travel, downtown Birmingham has many great places to explore, such as the brand new Rotary Trail. You’ll find delicious local Birmingham restaurants throughout the city. In fact, Zagat recently chose Birmingham as the #1 Up and Coming Food City in America, And if you’re anxious to see more, give your feet a break and check out a bike from the Zyp BikeShare stations—you can’t miss the bright green bikes, located throughout the city.
Mt Laurel is a unique and vibrant community, much like the city it lives within. We’re looking forward to having you here and can’t wait for you to experience not only this extraordinary house, but also the community surrounds it.
If you have any outstanding questions that we haven’t answered here, please visit the 2016 Southern Living Idea House page for additional details.
To keep up with the 2016 Southern Living Idea House, plus other exciting community events, sign up for the Mt Laurel Newsletter.
