Davis Theater
History
The Davis Theater, originally known as the Pershing Theater, was built in 1918 and opened showing vaudeville and silent films. In the 1930s, the Pershing was converted to show talkies and was renamed the Davis Theater. Through the 1970s, the theater transitioned to showing a variety of entertainment including puppet shows, second run films, and revivals through. In January of 2016, the theater was brought back to life in its current state as a historical landmark and community center for cinema and events.
Getting there
● Western Avenue Brown line Stop
● Metered City Parking Lot #70
● Metered City Parking Lot #71
● Metered City Park Lot #48
Accessibilty
The Davis Theater meet ADA standards for accessible seating and has multiple spaces specifically designed for wheelchairs and include features such as an accessible approach, location at grade, clear floor space, and larger dimensions. The male and female restrooms each have a handicap stall, and we also have two private, accessible, gender-neutural bathrooms. Theater 2 has 8 designated seats for wheelchairs and mobility devices, Theaters 1 & 3 have 4 of the same designated spaces. We have 8 closed caption devices that can toggle through various languages, as well as wireless headsets with capabilities to play Hearing Impaired and Visually Impaired audio tracks.
Wednesday – Friday
2:30PM
Saturday & Sunday
11:30AM
Theater closes 15 minutes after the last show
Box Office
Square
4614 N Lincoln Ave,
Chicago, IL 60625
Tom Fencl
As Chicago real estate developer turned movie house owner, Tom was the visionary for The Davis and Carbon Arc. Tom acquired The Davis in 2002, saving it from demolition in order to preserve the city center of Lincoln Square. He was a mastermind, husband to Mary and father of three daughters and one boy. He lost his battle with cancer in April of 2020.
Ben Munro
As owner and big kahuna of the Davis Theater and Carbon Arc Bar & Board, Ben ensures every experience from family night out to private event is above and beyond expectations. Ben is also a City Commissioner for SSA#21, husband to Britt and father of a lazy pitbull.
Tim Ryll
As owner and overseer of everything below the Carbon Arc marquee (a.k.a. the bar), Tim combines his passion for food, drink and cinema at The Davis. Tim is also the bar director for Four Corners and lives in Northcenter with his wife Brittany and their two children, Jack and Jamison. He also loves anything featuring Tom Cruise.
Gilbert Langlois
As partner and Chef of Carbon Arc, Gil cooks to his hearts desire to give guests some of the best food Lincoln Square has to offer. Gil is the former owner and chef of Chalkboard in Lincoln Square and father of one son.
Mary Fencl
Mary took over majority ownership after her husband lost his battle with cancer.
