Building at 11 Kost Levytskyi Street, Lviv
1. Formation of the Street
Kost Levytskyi Street lies in the central part of Lviv and carries a rich historical background. Its development dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries — a period of the city’s rapid expansion beyond the medieval core. At that time, the area was transformed into a prestigious residential zone, combining the atmosphere of elegant urban living with the calm of private villas and apartment houses.
Originally, the street was known as “Na Rurakh” (German: Röhren Gasse), referring to the old water pipeline that once ran along its route. Later, it was renamed to honor Kost Levytskyi, a distinguished Ukrainian statesman, lawyer, and head of the government of the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic (ZUNR).
The building at No. 11 occupies part of the section developed in the early 20th century, forming a harmonious ensemble of stylish and comfortable residential houses designed for Lviv’s affluent middle class.
2. Architects and Style
The building at 11 Kost Levytskyi Street was erected in 1911–1912 as part of a three-section residential complex.
The project was commissioned by the entrepreneur Narbuta Atlas and designed by architects Ferdynand Kassler and Walerian Schülman, representatives of the generation that introduced Art Nouveau (Secession) aesthetics into Lviv’s architectural landscape.
The house combines features of Secession and Rational Modernism — fluid decorative forms, expressive bay windows, asymmetrical composition, and elegant stucco ornamentation. The façade’s sculptural rhythm creates a sense of motion and lightness that perfectly reflects the spirit of early 20th-century architecture.
3. Who Was the Owner?
The first owner of the building was Narbuta Atlas, who commissioned it as an income-generating rental house. This typology was typical for modern Lviv — combining aesthetic sophistication with economic purpose.
During the interwar period, the building remained residential, while in the Soviet era, its ground floor housed small workshops and service facilities. Despite these functional changes, the architectural integrity of the structure remained largely intact.
4. What Does the Building Look Like?
The façade exemplifies the Viennese Art Nouveau style, distinguished by:
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the combination of geometric and organic motifs;
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decorative stucco with flowing lines;
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expressive bay windows and balconies;
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large window openings allowing abundant natural light.
The composition of three interconnected sections gives the building an imposing yet balanced presence. Inside, original elements have survived — wrought-iron stair railings, ceramic tile flooring, and fragments of stucco decoration. These details highlight the craftsmanship and refined taste typical of Lviv’s architectural culture at the time.
5. What Is There Now?
Today, the building at 11 Kost Levytskyi Street continues to serve as a residential property.