Formation of the Street
Ivana Kotliarevskoho Street is situated in the historic Kastelivka district of Lviv. The street’s formation dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during a period of urban expansion when Lviv was extending beyond its central areas. This development was part of a broader movement to create residential neighborhoods that combined urban living with green spaces, reflecting the “garden city” concept popular at the time.
Originally, the area was part of a larger estate known as Kastelivka, which was subdivided for development in the early 1900s. The street itself was initially named Nabielaka Street and was later renamed in honor of the Ukrainian writer Ivan Kotliarevsky. The neighborhood is characterized by its cohesive architectural styles, including Secession, Neo-Romanticism, Functionalism, and Interwar Modernism, with many villas and low-density housing that contribute to its garden city ambiance.
Builders and Styles
The adjacent buildings at 26 and 26a Ivana Kotliarevskoho Street were constructed between 1905 and 1906 by Lviv builder Jakub Rysiak. These structures stand out in their surroundings due to their Secessionist style, evident in the floral stucco decorations adorning their facades. Each building is a mirror image of the other, featuring symmetrical designs and decorative elements typical of the Secession movement.
Ownership History
The land on which these buildings stand was originally part of a larger parcel designated as conscription number 93¼. In 1904, this land was subdivided for development, and six smaller plots along the newly established Nabielaka Street were acquired by the Rysiak family. On June 7, 1905, Helena Rysiak, wife of builder Jakub Rysiak, applied to the magistrate for permission to construct a two-story residential building on her plot. The initial design included a setback of 6 meters from the street to allow for a front garden. After revisions, including the addition of a third floor utilizing attic space, construction proceeded, and by July 13, 1906, Helena Rysiak received authorization to occupy the completed building.
In the same year, Jakub Rysiak constructed an identical building on the adjacent plot for the Soltysik family. Each floor of both buildings housed a single large apartment, with basement levels containing rooms for servants, a guard, and rental spaces.
Architectural Features
The buildings are brick constructions on rectangular plans, each with two main floors, basements, and attic spaces converted into living areas. They feature symmetrical facades with floral stucco decorations characteristic of the Secession style. Front gardens are enclosed by mesh fences on stone bases, with individual entrances leading to each building. The rear of the properties includes landscaped courtyards.
Notable Residents
According to the 1913 address book, Heinrich Kratochwila, a railway secretary, resided at number 26, while Dr. Stanisław Nowosielski, director of the Land Credit Society, and Captain Gustaw Iszkowski lived at number 26a. By 1935, Adolf Czerwiński, a renowned lawyer and honorary doctor of Lviv’s Jan Kazimierz University, was a resident of 26a.
Current Use
During the Soviet era, the buildings were nationalized, and the apartments were converted into communal living spaces. The basement of building 26 housed the studio of the famous artist Karlo Zvirynskyi, which is now maintained by his daughter, Khrystyna Chaban. Today, the buildings continue to serve as residential properties, with ongoing maintenance and restoration efforts to preserve their historical and architectural significance.
Bibliography
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Encyclopedia of Lviv. Vol. 2.
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Architecture of Lviv: Time and Styles. XIII–XXI centuries. — Lviv, 2008.
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Melnyk I. Lviv Streets and Tenement Houses. — Lviv, 2008.
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Kastelivka: Lviv Modernism between Villa and Tenement.
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Urban Planning Concepts of Lviv in the 19th–20th Centuries.