Refusing to allow the pandemic to dim the lights at one of the most iconic midtown office buildings in Manhattan, 101 Park Avenue has joyously lit its Christmas trees on its plaza and stars in its lobby, just scant feet away from fabled Grand Central Terminal.

Peter S. Kalikow, President of H. J. Kalikow & Company, LLC, and owner of the award-winning 629-foot tall skyscraper at 40st Street and Park Avenue, says the lights not only proclaim the joy of the holiday but reflect on the spirit of New Yorkers in the face of COVID.

“This year has certainly been a tough one, and we here at 101 Park Avenue are doing all we can to provide a healthy and safe work environment for our tenants, employees and visitors. From introducing ultraviolet treatment of air coming into the building to the constant cleaning of common area surfaces, we have been successful in mitigating the impact of COVID. However, even in the midst of this pandemic, it is important to celebrate this Christmas season and all it represents—specifically good will and hope. We must extend good will and support to those suffering from COVID and their families. And, we must keep the faith and hope that the vaccine on the way will return us all to some sense of normalcy.”

With its angled skylights framing the lobby entrance, decorated evergreens now bracket the polished steel doors while the interior is expertly lit to display a series of hanging blue holiday garlands to the passerby’s delight.

Invoking a lyric that speaks to Christmas 2020

Kalikow specifically called attention to the banner strewn across the front of 101 Park Avenue which reads “We Need a Little Christmas,” words from the Broadway musical, “Mame”.

In the aftermath of the Stock Crash of 1929, Mame decides that they all need a little Christmas to cheer them up and proceeds to sing the timeless song. Kalikow continued, “Just like then, we now need a little Christmas at this very moment to brighten our days and offer hope for the future. Regardless of one’s religion, the Christmas season is a hopeful one.”

“New York has defiantly lit its skyline against every adversary as a reminder that, when knocked down, we come back twice as strong. 101 Park Avenue has proudly illuminated its holiday plaza as a message to every citizen, traveler, and visitor. We have much to celebrate at a time of crisis – we are a city that knows how to get back on its feet,” continued Kalikow. “Our lights in the year 2020 express that spirit of resiliency, recovery, and fellowship.”