Celebrating 25 Years: A Legacy of Senior Living Innovation at The Bristal
When The Bristal Assisted Living was first envisioned, the senior housing landscape on Long Island was vastly different. Many residences serving seniors were retrofitted from former hotels, often lacking the thoughtful design necessary to foster both independence and a strong sense of community. Recognizing the need for a better solution, the partners of B2K Development sought to create a new standard in senior living – a legacy defined by comfort, luxury, and personalized care.
In 1997, Jan Burman led the charge in transforming the senior living experience. “We wanted to build something truly special – a place where seniors would enjoy a lifestyle of luxury while also feeling at home,” Burman recalls. This vision came to life in 2000 with the opening of The Bristal at East Meadow, the first community in what would become a growing legacy of premier assisted living communities.
With a focus on high-end design, engaging social programming, and unparalleled services, The Bristal quickly set a new benchmark in senior housing. The success of the flagship community spurred expansion, and today, The Bristal encompasses 24 locations across Long Island, New York City, Westchester, and New Jersey – averaging a new community each year, all built upon the founding vision.
“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,” says David Burman, B2K Development Principal and President of Development. “The greatest reward is seeing it all come to life with residents making the most of their community.”
Designed with meticulous attention to detail, The Bristal communities feature luxurious amenities that elevate daily life, including fitness centers, cinemas, libraries, wellness centers, salons, game rooms, multiple dining venues, swimming pools, putting greens, and more. At the heart of every community is the drive to create a vibrant, social atmosphere which fosters connections between residents, their families, and team members. B2K Development CEO Steven Krieger sees this facet as the core aspect of their success. “It’s about more than just providing a place to live; it’s about creating a warm, welcoming environment where friendships form and memories are made.”
The Bristal communities have been successful in part due to the dedication, compassion, and continuous education of their team members, teams carefully cultivated by Ultimate Care Management. “Our team members bring passion to their work every day,” says David Burman. “Their commitment to care and community, and their willingness to grow with us, is what makes The Bristal truly exceptional.”
For residents needing memory care support, each community includes a specialized Reflections neighborhood, designed for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or related types of dementia. Collaborating with leading research institutions, The Bristal communities remain at the forefront of advancing memory care.
Now, as The Bristal celebrates 25 years, B2K Development reflects on a legacy of innovation and impact. “Each of our communities is award-winning in design and service,” says Jon Weiss, B2K Development Principal and President of Construction. “Knowing that thousands of residents and families have found comfort and joy in the communities we’ve built – that’s the greatest accomplishment.”
The heartfelt feedback from family members is the motivating factor for Steven Krieger. “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.”
The journey that began with a groundbreaking idea has flourished into a trusted name in senior living. As B2K Development looks to the future, the commitment to excellence, hospitality, and innovation remains as strong as ever, ensuring that the next 25 years will be just as transformative as the first.