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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE OF TOM FENCL, OWNER OF THE DAVIS THEATER
WHEREAS on April 5, 2020 Tom passed away after battling lung cancer; and
WHEREAS, Tom Fencl, 54, was a lifelong Chicagoan who attended John F. Kennedy High School and attended both Northern Illinois University and DePaul University; and
WHEREAS, in 2001, Tom bought the Davis Theater at 4614 N Lincoln Ave, saving it from demolition. The theater was built in 1918 after World War I and was originally named the Pershing Theater. In 1930 it was renamed the Davis Theater; and
WHEREAS in 2016, Tom began construction on the Davis Theater, bringing the theater back to its original Art Deco glory. The $4 million renovation included a state-of-the-art sound system, and the addition of a restaurant, Carbon Arc; and
WHEREAS Tom’s renovations earned recognition in 2018, when it was awarded the Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Rehabilitation, 100 years after its original opening; and
WHEREAS the Davis Theater continues to serve as a theater, as well as a community hub where people gather for community events, fundraisers, and townhalls; and
WHEREAS the Davis Theater is a historical landmark in Lincoln Square and the longest continually run theater in Chicago; and
WHEREAS Tom was also an accomplished real estate broker and developer who often worked with the North Center Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, and the Ravenswood Community Council. He was also Chairman of the popular North Center Ribfest Committee; and
WHEREAS Tom played a crucial part to the history of the iconic theater and Chicago, and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Mary Fencl, and his children Emma, Grace, Lillian and Dennis.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, hereby offer its deepest condolences to the family of Tom Fencl, and celebrate and honor the life and contributions of this outstanding Cook County resident; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to the family of Tom Fencl, as well as the Davis Theater.
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