- July 11, 2025
- Danaglory
Every project leaves a mark, but some become a milestone.
At Window Alternatives—the commercial arm of Designer Draperies—we recently completed our biggest commercial window treatment installation yet: Broadview Senior Living at Purchase College in Purchase, New York.
This wasn’t just another job. It was a brand-new senior living community built from the ground up, and we were honored to be brought in at the blueprint stage, collaborating with the incredible team at Merlino Design Partnership.
Our role? Provide beautifully crafted, functional commercial window treatments across an expansive new community that’s changing the game in how seniors live, learn, and thrive.
A Bold Vision Brought to Life
Broadview isn’t your typical senior living development. Located on the SUNY Purchase campus, it’s one of the first University Retirement Communities in the country.
With its Learning Commons and focus on lifelong education, intergenerational connection, and cultural engagement, Broadview is pioneering what aging in place can look like.
That mindset aligns perfectly with our own approach to design: always learning, always evolving, always aiming for better. Trent and I are both lifelong learners. I come from a background in textiles and project management, while he brings fresh eyes, marketing savvy, and a true love for logistics.
We’re building a business for the future, and projects like Broadview are exactly the kind of challenge we thrive on.
From Drawings to Draperies: A Years-Long Process
A project the size of Broadview is years in the making. We were brought in shortly after ground was broken, once the drawings were finalized.
Our work begins by meeting with the architectural firm to review blueprints, confirm the types of shades and blinds being specified, and discuss treatment styles and fabric selections. That’s when the real planning begins.
We counted and cataloged every window straight from the plans, noting sizes and locations so we could price accurately, recommend appropriate products, and flag any structural needs early.
We also conducted a site visit during the early stages to get ahead of any potential installation challenges and discuss motorization placement—sharing detailed cut sheets with the electricians to coordinate infrastructure needs.
We met with the job superintendent to plan where and when materials would be delivered, stored, and installed. Once drywall and windows were in, we performed our final measurements, placed orders, and began fabrication.
Every product was made to measure, fire-rated where needed, and tailored for specific functional goals.
This project included more than 3,000 custom blinds and draperies across 48 villas, two residential wings with four floors each, large common areas for art, woodworking, swimming, exercise, spas, salons, dining, bars, and more. A separate building houses assisted living and memory care units, along with dedicated communal spaces.
Phases for this project spanned from late 2021 through installations in 2023 and 2024. In spaces like the Arts Center, where windows sit more than 30 feet up, lifts were required to reach them safely and accurately.
Safety, Structure, and Showing Up Ready
We also walk every commercial client through updated cord safety laws, which now require all cords to be either eliminated or properly secured to prevent hazards. It’s a critical part of designing for senior living, where safety and compliance go hand-in-hand with aesthetics.
And as with every project involving drop ceilings, we carefully inspect the ceiling structure in advance to determine whether blocking needs to be added to support heavier treatments like cornice boards or layered drapery systems.
And when it’s time to install? Our crew arrives buttoned-up and ready. PPE is a must—high-visibility vests, hard hats, boots, safety glasses—and if you see someone rolling through the site with a catering cart packed full of installation gear, blinds, and drapery panels… it’s probably Trent.
Designing for Senior Living: Where Form Meets Function
Window treatments for senior living environments need to be about more than just good looks. Here’s what we focus on:
- Fire-rated fabrics that meet all commercial code requirements
- Cordless and motorized options that reduce safety risks and simplify daily use
- Thoughtful mounting that supports both aesthetic design and operational ease
- Softeners and sound-absorbing panels in high-traffic community spaces
- Blackout treatments in memory care to help manage circadian rhythms
These elements are all part of what make custom commercial window treatments such a key layer in senior living design.
What’s Next: RiverSpring Living in the Bronx
Our commercial team is already deep into another exciting senior living project—RiverSpring Living in the Bronx. This incredible facility has been delivering innovative care for more than a century, and their newest expansion continues that tradition of forward-thinking design and compassionate service.
For this installation, we’re creating cornice boards and solar shades for the resident rooms, along with soft panels and cornice boards throughout the shared community spaces. The medical and wellness wings will be outfitted with custom cubicle curtains, tailored for both privacy and performance.
It’s another opportunity to bring comfort, functionality, and beauty to a space where every detail matters—and to collaborate with a team that shares our dedication to thoughtful design.
Partnering for Exceptional Senior Living Design
Projects like Broadview and RiverSpring are what we’ve spent decades preparing for. They allow us to apply every bit of our knowledge—textile selection, construction, and senior living best practices—to help create environments that are safe, supportive, and stunning.
If you’re an architect, designer, or developer looking for a partner in commercial window treatments for senior living communities, we’d love to connect.
From early-stage planning to final installation, we’re here to make your vision a reality—with no corners cut and every detail considered. At Window Alternatives, we’re setting the standard in senior living.
