Formation of the Street
Kost Levytskyi Street in Lviv was formed along an old road that followed the course of the Pasika stream, a right tributary of the Poltva River. Due to frequent floods and swampy areas, the central part of the future street remained unsuitable for construction for a long time. Only scattered manor houses and large plots with gardens could be found there. The situation changed in the second half of the 19th century, when intensive urban development began: in the 1880s the street was actively built up with tenement houses, new quarters appeared, and soon a tram line was introduced. The Pasika stream was gradually enclosed underground and integrated into the sewage system, while a tree-lined alley was created in its place, giving the street a distinct urban character.
The history of the street’s names reflects different periods in Lviv’s past. Initially, it was called Pasichna, after the Pasika stream. In 1871 it was renamed St. Sophia Street. After the First World War, in 1919, it was given the name of Józef Piłsudski, the first President of Poland. During the Soviet era, after 1944, it was known as Lenin Street. In 1991, with the restoration of Ukraine’s independence, the street was given its current name in honor of Kost Levytskyi, a Ukrainian political and public figure.
Thus, the formation of the street combined the natural features of the area, the urban modernization of the late 19th century, and the historical changes reflected in its succession of names.
Builders and Styles
The residential building at the corner of Konopnytska and Levytskoho Streets was constructed in 1914, designed by architect Ferdinand Kassler. Its architectural style combines elements of Neoclassicism and Art Nouveau. A distinctive feature is the vestibule adorned with massive Ionic columns, typical of the classical tradition, and delicate bas-reliefs resembling cameos — a characteristic of the Art Nouveau decorative approach.
Who Was the Owner?
The building was commissioned by Maurycy Kalisch, a Lviv entrepreneur and property owner. It was intended for rental apartments, a common practice among affluent citizens of Lviv in the early 20th century.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The building stands out with its monumental forms and refined detailing. The façade is modestly decorated with plaster ornaments and a strong cornice line. The ground floor is marked by large windows, while the upper floors feature balconies with ornate metal railings. The vestibule still preserves its original Ionic columns and bas-reliefs, alongside a Soviet-era depiction of a Russian Orthodox church in a niche.
Interesting Facts
-
A memorial plaque indicates that Bohdan Kotyk, the first mayor of Lviv in the post-Soviet era, lived here between 1958 and 1991.
-
Despite later Soviet modifications, much of the original interior detailing remains intact.
-
The building is an example of transitional architecture between Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism in Lviv.
What Is There Now?
Today, the building remains a residential property, with apartments and some commercial premises on the ground floor.
Bibliography
-
Ivanochko S. Historical and architectural development of Lviv (late 19th – early 20th centuries)
-
Vuytsyk V. Lviv: Architectural and historical overview
-
Biryulov Y. Architecture of Lviv. Times and styles
-
Lypka R. Streets of Lviv: A historical guide
-
Melnyk I. Lviv Tenement Houses: The Art Nouveau Era