Through the Years: A History of The Bristal Communities

Before The Bristal communities were founded, Long Island's senior housing options were primarily retrofitted from former hotels, lacking the design and features necessary to support resident independence, wellness, and community spirit. These repurposed buildings often resulted in isolated, impractical residences - far from the ideal environment known to nurture a thriving community.

In 1997, the partners of B2K Development sought to change the landscape of senior living. B2K Development Chairman Jan Burman envisioned a place seniors would feel proud to call home - a place where luxury, comfort, and personalized service were paramount. "We made it our mission to create an environment that was not only luxurious, but also felt like home - something we'd expect for our own families," said Burman.

The Bristal at East Meadow became a pioneering development, featuring a high-end, thoughtfully designed senior housing community that transformed the industry. This innovative approach set a new standard for assisted living, leading to the expansion of The Bristal brand to 24 locations across Long Island, New York City, Westchester, and New Jersey, all while staying true to the founding mission.

David Burman, B2K Development Principal and President of Development shared in the pride felt in crafting these spaces: "There's something amazing about designing a building and spending hours upon hours looking through the plans, moving walls and adding rooms, carefully selecting each detail. It's incredibly rewarding to see it come to life with residents enjoying those spaces."

The Bristal communities are each designed with the utmost attention to detail and highest level of care to enhance residents' quality of life. With amenities like fitness centers, cinemas, libraries, wellness centers, salons, game rooms, and multiple dining venues, The Bristal communities foster a welcoming atmosphere where socialization is at the heart of the experience. "It's all about socialization," said Steven Krieger, B2K Development CEO. "Meeting new people, making new friends, building new connections - The Bristal Assisted Living is designed to provide a secure, caring, nurturing, and loving environment.

At the heart of every accomplishment within The Bristal communities is a culture of exceptional care and dedication, fostered by Ultimate Care Management, which oversees staffing, training, maintenance, food service, wellness, and lifestyle activities. Hardworking and devoted team members work hard to build the feeling of community, inherent in everything they do. "We've been fortunate to find and nurture talented professionals who are willing to grow with us," said David Burman. "It's an amazing team of people who make The Bristal a big part of their lives. It's more than a job; it's a passion" that translates to strengthened community bonds.

For residents with memory loss, each of The Bristal communities includes a specialized Reflections neighborhood, staffed by highly trained, empathetic individuals who specialize in dementia care. These neighborhoods emphasize safety, security, and the well-being of their residents, support by research collaborations with the Alzheimer's Association, to advance memory care practices for all.

At its core, The Bristal communities were founded on the belief that seniors deserve to live well, feel good, and experience happiness. To this end, a commitment to excellence permeates daily operations. Jon Weiss, B2K Development Principal and President of Construction, reflected, "There's no greater feeling than knowing our residents are thriving in the communities we've built for them."

For Krieger, the heartfelt feedback from family members speaks volumes. "When families tell us how happy and healthy their loved ones are, it's the greatest reward. Providing that peace of mind to families and a sense of communities to residents - that's everything."

As Burman looks to the future, he remains focused on continuing the legacy of excellence for which The Bristal communities are known. "Each of our communities is award-winning for design and service. Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of are, hospitality, and service will ensure that residents' needs are met, day after day."