RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF WILLIAM L. LAVICKA
WHEREAS, William L. Lavicka is a Chicagoan who instinctually knows that the essence of the city inseparably combines its people, places and buildings; and
WHEREAS, He merges his rare talents as an engineer, contractor, artist and activist to protect and celebrate these fundamental aspects of city life for all to enjoy and learn from; and
WHEREAS, The declining older homes on the 1500 block of West Jackson Boulevard, the historic West Side Turner Hall and many other structures in the city were given new life and through his ability to see the timeless beauty of past eras, and persuasively share his vision with others; and
WHEREAS, An instinctual appreciation for the beauty and usefulness or older materials helped him become a recycler of epic proportions, and master of iri creative reuse long before it was a popularly accepted and touted practice; and
WHEREAS, Many important historic buildings that others pronounced hopeless were rescued by his fearless common sense and ingenuity, coupled a stubborn refusal to give up without a fight. That same fearlessness and ingenuity distinguished his military service in rebuilding the war-ravaged infrastructure of Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, When he returned home, these same qualities led to his creation of the Vietnam Veterans Survivors Memorial at 815 West Oakley Avenue, using his own land, his own hands, and lovingly assembled from his eclectic cache of recycled materials, including discarded cast-iron columns from the landmark Page Bros. Building;
WHEREAS, The Honorable Robert W. Fioretti, Alderman of the 2nd Ward, has informed this august body of the accomplishments and tenacity of "Bill" Lavicka, a remarkable person of vision, talent and resourcefulness, who has a true Chicagoan's no-nonsense appreciation of what is important and worthwhile to pursue for the benefit of all; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the City Council of the City of Chi...
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