Broadview at Purchase College holds grand opening

The retirement community built on 40 acres at the State University of New York’s (SUNY) Purchase College campus held its official grand opening May 2. Broadview at Purchase College actually open its doors about four months ago and, according to Ashley Wade, Broadview’s executive director, more than 90% of the units are reserved and more than 238 residents have moved in. The development serves seniors age 62 and older.

The layout includes walking and exercise trails, and Broadview at Purchase College offers a full continuum of services including independent living, assisted living, enhanced assisted living, and memory care. The community has 174 senior residential apartments plus 46 villas. Residents can take advantage of educational and cultural opportunities offered by the college.

From left: Milagros Peña; Ashley Wade; Nancy Barr, Westchester County Legislator; John Ravitz, COO Business Council of Westchester; Steve Otis; Carter and Lillian Wolfe, Broadview first depositors; former State Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer; Purchase College Past President Tom Schwartz; Westchester Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins; Elizabeth Robertson, Chairman of the Broadview at Purchase Foundation; Todd Shaw, Life Care Services’ vice president and director of development.

The Westchester County’ Local Development Corporation in 2021 approved tax-exempt bond financing for the project of at least $385 million with a cap of $400 million. There were $398 million in bonds issued for the project. The concept of a senior living community on the campus had been under discussion since 2003, but it wasn’t realized until 2011 when legislation was signed by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowing Purchase College to lease about 40 acres of land to create the community.

More than 400 people attended the grand opening festivities that began with a Founder’s Luncheon for company, college and elected officials and ended later in the day with a bagpipe-led procession of residents, staff and college community, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception.

Purchase College President Milagros Peña noted that the development will provide a revenue stream to the college that will provide funds for student scholarships and faculty support.

“Broadview provides a unique opportunity for intergenerational learning that is already opening up new opportunities, possibilities, and experiences for the entire community,” Peña said. “I look forward to celebrating new milestones in the coming years as our community expands and grows thanks to this innovative project.”

The 46 villas or single-family homes offer four different floor plans ranging from 1,927 square feet to 2,224 square feet. All are two-bedrooms with a study and are on one level. Amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, movie theatre, spa and salon, dining venues, and on-site health center. There is a flexible dining program with chef-prepared meals, weekly housekeeping and concierge service.

State Assemblyman Steve Otis, who was involved in the legislation that made the project possible, said, “With the Performing Arts Center, the Neuberger Museum, and its exciting curriculum, the reach of Purchase College has always extended beyond traditional students to the larger community. Broadview is the natural progression towards embracing the range of individuals who enjoy the benefits of the campus. This is an innovation for SUNY and may be a model other colleges and universities around the country may choose to replicate.”

Broadview was co-developed by Senior Care Development LLC and LCS Development LLC and is operated by Life Care Services.