New Senior Citizen On-Campus Housing Breaks Ground At Purchase

PURCHASE, NY — Construction is underway on a first-of-its-kind marriage of campus life and a senior residential community

Future residents of Broadview Senior Living at Purchase College, SUNY celebrated the financial closing for the unique new university-based retirement community that will soon be located on the idyllic Westchester campus of Purchase College. Charter members of the planned community gathered at The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College to mark the milestone.

Financing for the project closed earlier this month with $400 million in project bonds sold to investors. In May of 2019, Broadview Senior Living operator Life Care Services began taking reservations. The senior community is already more than 85 percent reserved.

The concept of Broadview Senior Living at Purchase College began taking shape in 2002, when a plan was developed for a senior living community on the college campus. This retirement community would not only serve the needs of a growing senior population in the greater Westchester County area, but also provide unique opportunities for intergenerational learning, creativity and mentoring, according to the organizers' vision.

This plan is now moving forward. The initial phase will include 220 independent living apartments and villas for seniors ages 62 and older. Enhanced assisted living apartments and memory care suites will be available on-site for residents as they age.

"I'm honored to be a part of this wonderful community and to have been part of Purchase College for more than 40 years," future resident and Purchase College Professor Emeritus of Literature Lee Schlesinger said. "Purchase College is an extraordinary place and will continue to be an amazing place — and I cannot wait to continue my journey here."

The design for Broadview includes a unique "Learning Commons," a space where residents and students can learn from each other or simply exchange views over a cup of coffee. Classrooms, art studios, a performance space and a café are all included in the community space conceived as a collaborative meeting and learning space.

Residents can also take specially designed classes and workshops or may also audit courses with students. Broadview residents can also attend theatrical and cultural events at The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College and The Neuberger Museum of Art for a reduced price.

"As this project gets closer to opening, we’re becoming more and more excited about having opportunities to engage in the kind of active, intergenerational learning that is at the heart of this community," Purchase College President Milagros Peña said. "We're grateful for our future Broadview residents' commitment to our students and staff. Broadview’s benefits to our campus are many. We hope that our future residents will find living among our creative, diverse, inspiring students equally as rewarding."

Earlier this year, Broadview was one of only 10 groups in New York to receive a platinum credential from SAGE, an advocacy and services organization for LGBT elders. Even though the project isn't slated to open until 2023, but already, the staff has worked closely with SAGE and other LGBT groups to ensure the senior residences will be as inclusive and supportive as possible for all residents.

Earning the certification from SAGE required staff and management to work with SAGE Care staff to learn about the needs of the LGBT elderly population through an extensive training program.

The developers of Broadview said the certification is especially meaningful because the facility is intended to be a part of the liberal arts college rather than just being located at the school.

"We are so proud to be starting construction of this community where learners of all generations will come together," Broadview Senior Living spokesperson Ashley Wade said. "Our charter members are such an incredible group of people. Watching them already build community over this past year has been a joy. Broadview is truly the result of so many people coming together to get to today, when Broadview officially begins building."

SEE ALSO:

• Purchase's Planned Senior Facility Recognized By LGBT Group
• Retirement Community At Purchase College Preps For Groundbreaking