Street Formation
Akademika Mykhaila Kravchuka Street in Lviv was laid out at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries as part of a new residential development on the former lands of the military hospital and the Bonifrater Monastery. The street first appeared on city plans in 1900, initially unnamed. It was later named Bonifrater Street, and in 1946, it was renamed after Konstantin Tsiolkovsky. In 1993, the street was named in honor of the prominent Ukrainian mathematician Mykhailo Kravchuk, who was repressed in 1937.
The street’s development occurred mainly between 1900 and 1908, based on designs by architect August Bohowalski. The primary initiator and developer was engineer Franciszek Gołąb, son of architect Andrzej Gołąb. He owned several plots on this street and commissioned residential building projects that showcased stylistic unity and reflected contemporary architectural trends.
Builders and Styles
Building No. 14 on Kravchuka Street was constructed between 1906 and 1907, designed by architect August Bohowalski. The building’s architecture combines elements of historicism and Art Nouveau, characteristic of Lviv’s early 20th-century development. The facade features Art Nouveau stucco decorations, authentic wooden windows, and doors with decorative elements. The interior preserves original Art Nouveau murals, stained glass, and wrought iron details, adding unique charm to the building.
Who Was the Owner?
The first owner of Building No. 14 was engineer Franciszek Gołąb, who actively participated in developing this part of Lviv. He owned several adjacent plots and commissioned building designs from architect Bohowalski. After construction was completed, the building was inhabited in 1907.
What Does the Building Look Like?
Building No. 14 is a three-story townhouse with a symmetrical facade adorned with Art Nouveau stucco and decorative elements. The central part of the facade features balconies with wrought iron railings. The windows retain their original wooden frames with decorative inserts. The entrance doors preserve original woodwork and decorative elements. The interior spaces are decorated with Art Nouveau murals, stained glass, and wrought iron details that have survived to this day.
Interesting Facts
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Building No. 14 is part of the ensemble of Kravchuka Street, planned and implemented by engineer Franciszek Gołąb and architect August Bohowalski.
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In the 1920s and 1930s, the building underwent reconfiguration, resulting in three apartments on each floor instead of two.
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Kravchuka Street exemplifies early 20th-century comprehensive development, maintaining architectural unity and stylistic integrity.
What Is Here Now?
Today, Building No. 14 on Kravchuka Street serves as a residential building.
List of Literature
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Melnyk B. Index of Modern Names of Streets and Squares of Lviv. – Lviv: Svit, 2001.
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Vuytsyk V. S. State Historical and Architectural Reserve in Lviv. – Lviv, 1983.
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Lypka R. M. Ensemble of Virmenska Street. – Lviv, 1983.
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State Archive of the Lviv Region. – F. 2. – Op. 3. – File 594.
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Interactive Lviv. Center for Urban History of East Central Europe.