A Century of Building the American Dream

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Story, Shaped Through a 20-Year Partnership

For more than two decades, CS Designworks has had the privilege of working alongside HJ Kalikow—one of New York City’s most respected, family-owned real estate firms and owner and builder of the iconic 101 Park Avenue office tower. Over that time, our relationship evolved beyond client and agency into a trusted partnership built on shared values, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of the Kalikow legacy.

When the firm approached its historic 100-year milestone, Kalikow did not seek a vendor. They turned to a partner who already understood the weight of the story—and the responsibility of telling it.

The Story Behind the Story

At its core, the Kalikow journey is the American Dream realized. It is a story of perseverance, family leadership, and long-term vision—one that began with early entrepreneurial roots and grew into a body of work that helped shape the skyline and civic fabric of New York City.

Guided by Peter Kalikow, whose pride in the company’s past is matched by his optimism for its future, the centennial was envisioned not as a retrospective alone, but as a narrative placing Kalikow’s history within the broader story of New York itself.

Phase One: Defining the Legacy

Before a single ad ran or an event was planned, the work began with the most important phase of the entire initiative: the creation of Kalikow’s centennial history book.

This oversized, leather-bound, 200-page coffee table book became the foundation for everything that followed. Developed over more than a year, it required extensive research, close collaboration, and countless hours of review and refinement. More than a design project, it was an act of historical stewardship—capturing four generations of leadership and a century of contribution to the city Kalikow calls home.

The narrative structure established in the book defined the voice, tone, and framework for the entire centennial rollout.

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“Some projects remind you why you do this work. Being entrusted with Kalikow’s centennial story was one of those moments.”

– Nick Chiechi, President, CS Designworks 

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The Collaboration

This project could not have been achieved without deep and sustained client involvement. CS Designworks worked in close partnership with Kathryn Kalikow, Peri Allen, Olga Rosario, and Richard Gurvitz throughout every phase of the process.

This was not a hand-off engagement. It was a shared journey—marked by thoughtful dialogue, rigorous attention to detail, and a collective commitment to honoring the Kalikow story with authenticity and care.

The Challenge

How do you translate a century of history into a cohesive, modern narrative—without reducing it to nostalgia?

How do you honor the past while ensuring relevance for future generations?

And how do you carry one story consistently across print, digital, and live experience?

The challenge was not scope. It was meaning.

The Approach

Before designing anything, we designed the story.

The decade-by-decade narrative architecture established in the history book became the blueprint for every subsequent touchpoint. Each expression of the centennial—whether print, digital, or experiential—was rooted in that same core story, ensuring clarity, continuity, and purpose throughout.

The Execution

CS Designworks delivered a fully integrated centennial program, unified by one narrative vision:

• An oversized, leather-bound 200-page coffee table history book that defined the centennial story and set the foundation for the full rollout

• A redesigned HJ Kalikow website, featuring a comprehensive historical overview with decade-by-decade “Chapters” documenting the firm’s evolution, leadership, and expanding impact

• Print advertising celebrating Kalikow’s centennial milestone in prominent New York publications

• Event branding and storytelling for a landmark centennial celebration attended by more than 300 guests, including save-the-dates, invitations, large-format posters, and a commemorative video

• Post-event storytelling and archival materials, including follow-up advertising, a custom event photobook, and a wall display installed in the lobby of 101 Park Avenue

The Impact

The centennial initiative became more than a celebration. It became a permanent historical record, a source of internal pride, and a public affirmation of Kalikow’s legacy as a builder of both city and community.

For CS Designworks, it stands as one of our most meaningful and prestigious engagements—an expression of our full capabilities, and a testament to what is possible when trust, collaboration, and shared purpose define the work.

As Peter Kalikow so fittingly expressed in closing the centennial narrative, “Cent’Anni”—a wish for health, prosperity, and continuity for the next 100 years.

Some stories are measured in deliverables.
Others are measured in legacy.

This was the American Dream—told with care, respect, and intention.

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