Celebrating an IIDA Interior Design Award Win for Rails on Main

Resident amenity space at Rails - photo credit: Kim Smith Photo

We’re proud to share that Rails on Main, our multifamily residential project in Buffalo, NY, has been recognized with an IIDA Interior Design Award—a major honor that highlights the creativity, strategy, and collaboration that brought this vibrant community to life.

This award is the result of a strong, visionary partnership. Our design journey was led by the talented team at Elev8 Interiors, who played a pivotal role in shaping the interior architecture and design concept from the ground up. We were also fortunate to collaborate with Get Fresh Industries, who brought their distinct touch to the furniture, final detailing, and staging—helping polish the project into the refined, welcoming space it is today.

Co-working space at Rails - photo credit: Kim Smith Photo

Designing a New Urban Landmark

Our vision for Rails on Main was to create more than just a place to live—it needed to embody the energy of Buffalo’s evolving Main Street corridor. We aimed to fuse industrial heritage with modern sensibility, crafting spaces that felt rooted in history but built for today’s lifestyles.

Elev8 Interiors led the charge with a comprehensive design strategy that balanced form, function, and durability. Their work established the project’s bold, layered aesthetic—infusing warmth through natural materials, contemporary finishes, and smart spatial planning. Elev8’s ability to interpret the project’s urban context and translate it into inviting, stylish interiors was instrumental in achieving our goals.

Model Unit Styling - photo credit: Kim Smith Photo

Final Touches That Brought It All Together

As the project neared completion, Get Fresh Industries joined the team to elevate the interior spaces through thoughtful furniture selections, artwork curation, and staging. Their creative eye and attention to detail helped bring the design narrative full circle—transforming the interiors from well-executed spaces into vibrant, lived-in environments.

• Common Areas: Designed as communal extensions of the apartments, the lounge, fitness center, and co-working zones foster connection and convenience. Get Fresh brought in a mix of contemporary furniture, statement lighting, and curated local artwork to give each space a strong personality.

• Unit Interiors: The apartments are finished with modern, neutral palettes punctuated by bold accents—bringing warmth, depth, and a sense of home. Durable, stylish materials were chosen with long-term comfort in mind. The unit design strikes a balance between clean modernity and cozy comfort, thanks to strategic furnishings and styling that reflects the spirit of the neighborhood.

• Historic Context: Throughout, subtle nods to the site’s past and the broader legacy of Buffalo’s industrial roots are layered into the finishes, design elements, and artwork, helping Rails on Main feel grounded and authentic.

Lobby of the Rails - photo credit: Kim Smith Photo

A Shared Celebration

This recognition from IIDA is a testament to what thoughtful collaboration can achieve. We’re deeply grateful to Elev8 Interiors for their leadership and design expertise throughout the project, and to Get Fresh Industries for infusing the final layer of personality and polish into the space.

To the IIDA jury, thank you for acknowledging the design strength of this project. And to the Buffalo community—thank you for embracing Rails on Main as part of your city’s future.

Stephanie Goris from Elev8 Interiors and Cara Donahue from Get Fresh Industries

➔ Want to learn more?

Rails on Main

We’re Finalists! Zeton and Rails Named in the 2025 Brick by Brick Awards

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: two of our recent projects—Zeton U.S. Properties Inc. and Rails on Main—have been named finalists in this year’s Brick by Brick Awards, hosted by Buffalo Business First!

These awards celebrate the best in Buffalo’s architecture, construction, and real estate—so being recognized for not just one, but two projects is a huge honor for our team.

Zeton U.S. Properties, Inc.

Finalist: Industrial Category

Exterior of Zeton U.S. Properties, Inc

Zeton’s new space is all about clean, smart design for cutting-edge manufacturing. From the outside, it’s bold and modern—but the real magic happens inside. The layout is designed to support high-tech production with a focus on efficiency, safety, and comfort for the people working there every day. It’s proof that industrial buildings can be both functional and beautiful—and we’re proud to have helped make it happen.

Rails on Main

Finalist: Multi-Residential Category

Exterior view of Rails on Main

The Rails stands as a new transit-oriented development and is a powerful testament to Buffalo’s ability to honor its industrial heritage while embracing the future of urban living. What was once a dormant, contaminated brownfield site has been thoughtfully reimagined into a dynamic residential community that prioritizes design, functionality, resident experience, and connection to the surrounding community through its proximity to various modes of transportation. Through innovative construction methods, strategic planning, and a strong focus on amenities, The Rails has not only reshaped the physical landscape of North Buffalo but also contributed to the neighborhood’s cultural and economic revitalization. As it welcomes new residents and breathes life back into Main Street, The Rails serves as a model for sustainable, community-focused redevelopment—proof that with vision and collaboration, even the most neglected spaces can be transformed into places people are proud to call home.

Why This Matters

Every project we take on is a chance to shape the city in a meaningful way. Seeing Zeton and Rails recognized alongside some of the best work happening in Buffalo is incredibly rewarding—for us, our partners, and especially our clients who trusted us with their vision.

We’re looking forward to the awards ceremony this July and celebrating with the amazing local design and development community.

Thanks to everyone who helped bring these projects to life—and fingers crossed for the big win!

➔ Want to learn more?
Zeton Manufacturing | Rails on Main