Formation of the street
Chernihivska Street is located in Lviv’s Lychakivskyi District, connecting Lychakivska and Pekarska Streets. Established in the mid-19th century, it was initially named Shpytalna (1825–1871) for the Piarist hospital. Later it became Hlovińskoho, then briefly Chernihivska in 1941, reverted, and since 1944 has carried the name Chernihivska. The street’s architecture features Classicism, Viennese Secession, and Constructivism, with several buildings classified as local heritage monuments
Builders and styles
The buildings at Nos. 2–4 were built in 1912–1913, designed by Ferdinand Kassler for the Schönfeld family. These four-story brick townhouses exemplify Viennese Secession, featuring decorative risalits, ornate window frames, balconies with metal railings, and rich stucco décor
Who was the owner?
The first owners were Sabina and Shulim Schönfeld, local entrepreneurs who commissioned Kassler. During the interwar period the properties remained private, were nationalized post-WWII, and later transferred to municipal ownership. Today, they are co-owned by resident-occupants.
Appearance
Nos. 2–4 are expressive Secession structures: four floors, symmetrical façades, decorative elements (masks, stucco). The façades retain original plaster. A central risalit and attic decorate the roofline. An arched driveway leads to an inner courtyard with service buildings, typical for early 20th-century income houses
Interesting facts
— Nos. 2–4 form a unified architectural ensemble from the same design.
— In the 18th century, a Piarist college and later a hospital stood nearby at No. 7, which remains an 18th-century baroque landmark
What is there now?
Currently, the buildings serve as residential properties with apartments on each floor.
References
- Lviv Wikipedia — “Chernihivska Street (Lviv)”
- Tvoemisto — street history and urban development
- Interactive Lviv — architectural descriptions of Chernihivska, 7