Elmwood Condo Provides Tranquil Oasis Among City Living
WHEN MICHELE LEE FIRST SAW THE CONDOMINIUMS AVAILABLE IN THE RECENTLY CONSTRUCTED ELMWOOD AVENUE BUILDING AT THE GATEWAY OF ELMWOOD VILLAGE, SHE KNEW SHE’D FOUND HER NEW HOME
After living in a single-family home in Snyder, New York for 15 years, Lee sought a fresh living space in the city for herself and her son, a college junior. The 2,800-square-foot, two-bedroom-plus-study condo, situated on the third floor with a bank of windows overlooking the iconic Richardson Complex, Albright-Knox dome, and Buffalo State clock tower, fit the bill.
“I loved the open floor plan and abundance of natural light which inspired my aesthetic and overall vision for the space,” she said. “It’s also in the perfect location.”
And the building, 1111 Elmwood, offers sought-after amenities including beautifully designed common spaces, especially the backyard area, a gym, underground parking, and 24-hour concierge services. Each of the 34 luxury condos and 7 townhomes has its own characteristics and layout, which allow the buyers to customize to reflect their individual style.
Lee said she wanted to create a comfortable, modern classic look. She designed the interior herself, and with the help of local companies, such as Italian Marble & Granite, was able to bring her vision to life within nine months.
In the kitchen, she chose dark walnut cabinetry with brass hardware and a brass hood for the Dacor stove. They are complemented by a light quartz for the countertops with caramel veins, along with large brass drum pendants over the island and LED backlighting beneath the cabinetry. She selected a soft cream for the walls and automatic blinds to cover the windows throughout.
Lee was also able to indulge her passion for wine by installing a climate-controlled wine cellar inside her large pantry. It has a window that overlooks the study, which she calls “the sipping room,” as it’s conducive to gatherings with friends for wine and hors d’oeuvres or just a cup of coffee in the morning.
In addition to a formal dining room, there’s seating for four in the kitchen at the 14-foot-long island, half of which is a waterfall and the other half rounded with a fluted walnut panel.
“I love to cook and entertain,” Lee said, “and this space works out perfectly.”
The master bathroom is filled with Calcutta green marble. Because green is Lee’s favorite color, she chose one woven with forest green, and the floor is heated. She also selected double sinks with rounded high counters and brass hardware, and a soaking tub.
The master bedroom is wallpapered in a botanical scene in green hues, which complements the marble of the ensuite bathroom.
Meanwhile, the secondary bathroom fits her son’s tastes with a black tile shower, black cabinets, a gray quartz countertop, and a pill-shaped mirror with a modern bar light above. One of her favorite elements of the condo is a double-sided gas fireplace in the main living area