Formation of the Street
Hrabovskoho Street in Lviv is located in the Halytskyi district, in the historical area known as the Citadel. It connects Kopernyka Street with Kotsiubynskoho Street, passing through the territory of the former military complex of the Citadel.
Originally, the street was named after Saint Lazarus, deriving its name from a nearby hospital of the same name. In 1946, it was renamed in honor of Pavlo Hrabovskyi (1864–1902), a Ukrainian poet and civic activist.
The street’s buildings reflect a range of architectural styles, including Classicism, Secession (Art Nouveau), and Constructivism. Notably, Building No. 6A, constructed in 1939 based on a design by architect Henryk Sandig, is an example of Functionalism. Its façade features oval-shaped loggias and geometric balcony structures, giving the building the appearance of a ship.
The street runs through the former Austrian Citadel, built between 1850 and 1856. This fortification complex included barracks and defensive towers. Over time, the Citadel served various functions: a military base, a POW prison during World War II, and later, warehouse and office spaces.
Today, Hrabovskoho Street retains its historic development and remains an integral part of Lviv’s urban landscape. Residential buildings, office spaces, and heritage sites are located along its length.
Architects and Style
Building No. 6 on Hrabovskoho Street was erected in 1936 to the design of Henryk Sandig. It is one of the most striking examples of Functionalist residential architecture in interwar Lviv. The building features simple yet dynamic geometric shapes, minimal ornamentation, and structural elements such as loggias and porthole-like windows.
Who Was the Owner?
The original owner of the plot was Stanisław Barwik, and later Tadeusz Kaim, who also owned a store selling musical instruments and gramophones. He commissioned the construction of this residential building. The initial plan was in Neoclassical style, but the modernist project by Sandig was ultimately chosen.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The building is three stories tall, located on a corner plot, and has a distinctive “ship-like” façade:
-
Oval loggias with metal railings
-
Large ribbon windows
-
Decorative horizontal bands and a rusticated base
-
A flagpole on the roof, emphasizing the dynamic form
Interesting Facts
-
The first version of the design was Neoclassical but was rejected — a common practice during the stylistic shift toward modernism.
-
A shop with a display window on Lukiyanovycha Street was originally planned for the basement, but this idea was abandoned during construction.
-
The interior retains original features, including terrazzo stairs, black-and-white geometric tile patterns, and a vertical ribbon window lighting the stairwell.
What Is There Now?
As of 2025, the building maintains its residential function. Some spaces are used as offices, and several apartments are privately owned. The building is listed as a monument of local architectural significance.
Sources and Literature:
State Archives of the Lviv Region (DALO): Fond 2, Inventory 1, File 2438.