Purchase, NY Broadview at Purchase College, a university retirement community on the campus of the State University of New York in Westchester, held its official grand opening bringing together a host of dignitaries to celebrate a concept that champions intergenerational connections and lifelong learning.

More than 400 people attended the festivities throughout the day, beginning with a founder’s luncheon for company, college and elected officials and ending with a bagpipe led procession of residents, staff and college community, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception.

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 governor Andrew Cuomo allowing Purchase College to lease about 40 acres to create the community.

“It 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, less than four months from when we first opened our doors, more than 90% 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 services including independent living, assisted living, enhanced assisted living, and memory care. The community has 174 senior residential apartments, 20% of which are set aside for residents who meet certain median income requirements. There are 10 different floor plans with one-bedroom, one- bedroom with study, two- bedroom and two-bedroom with study options ranging from 675 s/f to 1,909 s/f. In addition, there are 46 villas or single-family homes on the property offering four different floor plans ranging from 1,927 s/f to 2,224 s/f. All are two-bedrooms with a study and are on one level.

Broadview also offers a swimming pool, fitness center, movie theatre, spa and salon, dining venues, and on-site health center, among other features. There is a dining program with chef-prepared meals, weekly housekeeping and concierge service.

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

Purchase College president, Milagros “Milly” Peña, said, “After Purchase College leaders and local elected officials spent decades envisioning, planning, and building Broadview, I am delighted to celebrate the grand opening of this transformative project. In addition to providing 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. I look forward to celebrating new milestones in the coming years as our community expands and grows thanks to this innovative project.”

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.

With nearly 80% of the residences occupied, Broadview at Purchase is already an active community with dozens of opportunities for social interaction.

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. “A local chapter of J-Teen, led by a charter members granddaughter, recently hosted a card game fundraiser for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and raised over $500,’’ said Abate. “A resident is even traveling to Africa this summer with a Purchase College travel abroad program.”

At the grand opening, local dignitaries had the opportunity to see firsthand some of the many activities.

Westchester County executive George Latimer, said, “Westchester welcomes this vibrant new chapter at Purchase College that will foster knowledge, community and endless possibilities. Intergenerational learning works both ways and I applaud the efforts of those to bring this development together. From the Neuberger Museum of Art, its beautiful campus over 40 acres and a host of other amenities, this is a gem of senior living and it’s indicative of Westchester’s progressive values that it’s located right here in Purchase.”

State assemblyman Steve Otis, who was involved in the legislation that created the relationship, 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.”

NYS senator Shelley Mayer said, “I am so excited to celebrate Broadview’s grand opening at SUNY Purchase. This is a path-breaking approach to multi-generational learning, maximization of public university resources for wider participation and new housing opportunities for active seniors. I always had faith that this innovative approach would be a success, but I am overwhelmed by the energy and enthusiasm of all the parties involved in this project. I applaud the SUNY system, the legislators who authorized this development, the developers of the innovative and beautiful housing and the leadership of Purchase College, including of course President Milly Peña for this terrific accomplishment.”