Broadview at Purchase College, a university retirement community on the campus of Purchase College, a State University of New York in Westchester, held its official Grand Opening on May 2, 2024, bringing together more than 400 attendees to celebrate a unique concept that champions intergenerational connections and lifelong learning. LCS Development served as Broadview’s developer and Life Care Services, An LCS Company, provides management services and support for the community’s innovative mission.

“Broadview is a visionary concept that fosters intergenerational learning and helps generate income for the college community, providing for scholarships and educational improvements,’’ said Ashley Wade, Broadview at Purchase College Executive Director. “Today, more than 90 percent of our residences are reserved, and we have more than 238 residents on site who are already enjoying a broad range of intergenerational learning and community experiences.’’

Set on 40 acres with walking and exercise trails, 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, 20 percent of which are set aside for residents who meet certain median income requirements. Broadview offers a wealth of amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, movie theatre, spa, and salon, dining venues, and on-site health center. In addition, the community offers a flexible dining program with chef-prepared meals, weekly housekeeping, and concierge service.

“LCS Development was proud to bring our expertise to the table to lead this project from concept to completion,” said Todd Shaw, Vice President of LCS Development and Broadview’s Project Manager. “Seniors today don’t want to move off to a retirement home somewhere and be forgotten; rather, they want a place where they can interact with people and have new experiences. Broadview does that and more.” 

Even before opening, a Charter Member (as Broadview’s early depositors are called) established a medical mentorship for pre-med students at Purchase College. This innovative mentorship program inspired a New York City PBS Documentary on intergenerational learning. Additional mentorship programs in broadcast journalism, pre-law, and media studies are already underway along with fundraising and other activities to bring students and residents together.

“What is incredible about Broadview, and its relationship to Purchase College, is that it fosters a truly intergenerational community of people,” said Lee Schlesinger, Associate Professor Emeritus of Literature at Purchase College, and future Broadview resident. “I consider myself a life-long learner, and that’s why I chose Broadview: the concept of university-based retirement communities inherently attracts a group of people who are committed to returning to, or continuing, their education.”

And as part of the Purchase College community, Broadview residents also enjoy the many amenities of the college including the renowned Neuberger Museum of Art, the Performing Arts Center, the academic and athletic facilities, and the park-like campus as well as formal and informal programming and collaborative opportunities designed to promote intergenerational engagement with students.

Kate Abate, Residential Director and Director of Intergenerational Learning, pointed to mentorship programs in pre-medicine, broadcast journalism, pre-law, and media studies that are already underway in addition to fundraising and other activities that are bringing together students and residents.