Have the traditionally gaudy sky-palaces of Buckhead — those havens of marble-tile foyers, floral curtains and thick moldings — become totally passé? Probably not. But the Mandarin Oriental Residences Atlanta makes a strong case that "long gone are the old, traditional finishes of yesteryear Buckhead and in (their) place are bold, classic, stylish and timeless finishes," reports atlantaSKYrise blog, a luxury condo arbiter. The blog supplies photos of one stunning new model home pending sale at $2.4 million (several units are under contract between $1.8 and $2.5 million), and it's safe to say the designers weren't shopping at Lowes. The three-bedroom unit has "standard finishes not found in any condo building around town" and could be a bellwether for Atlanta's condo crème de la crème.
All 16 remaining Mandarin units are being built out with Harrison Design Associates, who completed the model unit pictured, and they represent the last new luxury condo options in Buckhead, outside of the St. Regis, the blog reports. So options are dwindling for well-heeled condo buyers looking to customize their sky-palaces from the studs in. The Mandarin units will all have indoor and outdoor fireplaces, modern kitchens with huge slabs of Caesarstone countertops and Miele appliances. You know — the bare essentials.
UPDATE: An official with GraysonHarris Interiors + Design sends the following clarification:
"You mention that Harrison Design Associates designed the Unit at the Mandarin Oriental - Atlanta; however, they were the Architects that designed the shell. GraysonHarris Interiors + Design did the actual Interior Design of the unit (as shown in the photos). As one of the principals of GraysonHarris, I was a little disappointed to hear that we were not recognized for our work that is helping to transform the design aesthetic of Buckhead highrise luxury. We were awarded the contract to design the space after a much publicized competition through ASID's Georgia Chapter, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine and the Mandarin Oriental."
· MANDARIN ORIENTAL RESIDENCES ATLANTA RETURNS TO MARKET WITH MEGA SALES [ASB]
· Reports: ATL Condo Market Springs From Rancid Hole! [Curbed]
[Photos via atlantaSKYriseblog.com]