In Pursuit of the American Dream
The story of Artone — fifty years of family, craftsmanship, and furniture by design.
Our humble beginnings
This story begins at the Calimeri home, where Artone was born. Rosario Calimeri, an immigrant from Sicily, found his American roots in Jamestown NY in 1954. A furniture apprentice in Sicily and cabinet maker by trade, Ross worked for furniture manufacturers such as Maddox Table and Chase Interiors before he decided to give self employment a go.
Rosario and his wife Antonietta would spend countless nights awake trying to figure out how they could start a business of their own and give their children a head start. With 4 children at the time, determination was at its best and an idea was born. The couple founded their own company, making music boxes for the music industry in the basement of the Calimeri home.
Ross, eager to grow his business, partnered with his cousin Joseph Trusso. Together they created the “Artone” name using part of each of their lovely wives' names, Arlene & Antonietta — ‘AR’ from Arlene and “TONE” from Antonietta (often called “Toni” by Ross). Although this partnership was brief, the Artone name carries on to this day.
In the early years, Artone provided component parts to other manufacturers and eventually grew to serve several different markets including healthcare, store fixtures, contract casework and hospitality furniture. As Artone expanded its offerings, the location changed from its original footprint of 10,000 sq. ft. to accommodate its growth.
Founder, Rosario Calimeri, 1961
Rosario & Antonietta Calimeri on their honeymoon in Rome, Italy
The Calimeri home, where it all began. 1974. Back: Antonietta Calimeri. Front: Sally, Mary, Sebastian & Michael
Mark Arnold, managing partner, Albion Investors
Pivotal years for growth
In the 90’s and early 2000’s, Artone targeted four key markets: hospitality, healthcare, contract, and store fixtures. In 1992 Artone landed a significant job benefiting the hospitality market — becoming an approved supplier for Microtel by Wyndham Corporation, a stepping stone for future growth and opportunities with the large hotel chain. Artone supplied all guest room, lobby and public area spaces of the hotel, including forming an installation company to broaden its offerings to Wyndham.
In 2004, one of the pivotal moments for Artone came when a contract with Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) was secured, a prominent retailer in the fashion industry. This partnership inspired Sebastian Calimeri to develop a patented product tailored specifically to DSW's needs. The innovative solution crafted for DSW became a cornerstone of Artone’s retail portfolio.
In 2008, Artone brought in investment partners of Albion Investors including Mark Arnold (pictured) to take Artone's growth to the next level. Mark, a managing partner of Albion Investors, has brought his expertise to Artone as a board member and managing partner. His dedication and partnership to Artone continues today for future and continued growth.
Today as we know it
Today, Artone is owned by Michael & Sebastian Calimeri and partner Mark Arnold of Albion Investors. The company has drawn in its focus to specialize in custom casegoods & built-in millwork specifically for the hospitality industry. You likely have stayed in a hotel adorned with Artone furnishings.
Current customers are as renowned as Wyndham Corporation (Microtel, Wyndham Garden, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Days Inn), Marriott Incorporated (TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, StudioRes), Disney Resorts (Animal Kingdom Lodge) & Universal Studios (Cabana Bay, Sapphire Falls and the upcoming Stella Nova & Terra Luna).
A few local projects you may be familiar with include Doubletree downtown Jamestown NY, LaQuinta downtown Jamestown NY, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron NY & Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca NY.
Sebastian Calimeri, Executive VP and Michael Calimeri, President
Sebastian Calimeri, Executive VP and Michael Calimeri, President
Our move to 1089
In 2014, the owners of Artone strategically relocated to a much larger facility in Jamestown's industrial corridor. This was a significant step forward in the growth journey for Artone. This move did not only signify expansion but a commitment to better serve its customers. The new space offered ample room for increased production capacity, enhanced operational efficiency, and positioned Artone to embark on a new chapter of success!
The company now employs nearly 100 people. The owners of Artone realize that their success would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of all of their employees. To reward that hard work, Artone strives to provide career driven employment opportunities with good pay, good benefits, comfort, and good camaraderie among all its manufacturing and office employees, management, and company owners.
At Artone’s current 250,000 sq. ft. Allen St. facility, you can find all manufacturing operations on the first floor and office personnel on the second floor. The manufacturing floor is equipped with state of the art equipment, metal fabrication and an in-house research and development department. The office area consists of a spacious open floor plan including four conference rooms and meeting areas named after all of the locations Artone has occupied since its inception: South Main St., First Street, American Place & Institute Street, now home of The Chautauqua Center.
A proud moment for the Calimeri's
The Calimeri family was awarded ‘Family of the Year’ by the Chamber of Commerce in 2018.
“Artone LLC, a commercial furniture manufacturer in Jamestown, NY earned the honor by their exemplary work throughout the community.”
Front row from left: Mom and Dad Calimeri, Antonietta and Rosario. Back row from left: Calimeri children, youngest to oldest — JoEtte Fisher, Anna Maria (aka Mary) Eggleston, Sebastian Calimeri, Michael Calimeri, Sally Donisi
1974 – Today album
First Street location
Artone @ 107 Institute Street, before Rosario received permission to build over the road and expand his business.
107 Institute Street expansion, completed 1984
107 Institute Street aerial view
Vibraslap shown. The ‘music box’ that was put together in the basement of the Calimeri home. A humble beginning.
‘Bunny’ clock. One of Artone's early projects.
Regulator clock. One of Artone's early projects.
Rocking Bull
Rocking Horse
Rocking Horse
Artone's first CNC machine being delivered from Bergamo Italy! Circa 1985.
Microtel by Wyndham. Artone's first large account. Artone's relationship with Wyndham and Microtel began in 1992 and continues today.
Calimeri Office, Office Furniture Line
Beginnings of the Healthcare market with well known Claflin Company from Warwick RI. Michael Calimeri and Roger Ianetta shown.
Store fixture displays for Nextel cellular franchise
Design patent created for DSW by Sebastian Calimeri, 2004
DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse) — Artone's largest Store Fixture account
Reunion Grand Resort FL
Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. Sister property to Clayton 1,000 Islands Hotel & Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, all adorned with Artone furnishings.
Seneca Allegany 11th Floor Luxury Suites
Seneca Allegany 11th Floor Luxury Suites
Seneca Allegany 11th Floor Luxury Suites
Seneca Allegany 11th Floor Luxury Suites
The Hotel Concord (Concord NH)
Doubletree Jamestown NY. A Hilton property.
Doubletree Jamestown NY. A Hilton property.
Doubletree Jamestown NY. A Hilton property.
Aiden by Best Western
The Landing Hotel | Pittsburgh PA
Hilton Tapestry, Canandaigua NY
Microtel by Wyndham today, shown in ‘Moda’
Days Inn by Wyndham today, shown in ‘Dawn’
AmericInn by Wyndham today, shown in ‘Pursuit’
From the press
Artone's story has been told in print through the decades — from early product literature to a feature in FDM magazine in November 1998, and more recently in our local press as we celebrated our 50th year.
Read more: Chautauqua Gazette feature · The Post-Journal, September 17, 2024
Literature from the early years. Late 80's, early 90's
Literature from the early years. Late 80's, early 90's
Literature from the early years. Late 80's, early 90's
Literature from the early years. Late 80's, early 90's
Our feature in FDM magazine, November 1998
Our feature in FDM magazine, November 1998
Our feature in FDM magazine, November 1998
Our feature in FDM magazine, November 1998
Our feature in FDM magazine, November 1998
Our feature in FDM magazine, November 1998
Half a Century of Growth
Scroll sideways to travel through the years →