Street Formation
Voronoho Street in Lviv is a short but historically rich street located in the very heart of the city, in the Halytskyi District. It connects Mitskevych Square with Malanyuka Square, running through Lviv’s historic center.
In the early 19th century, the street was a narrow path behind the “De Russie” Hotel. In 1816, the hotel was purchased by Georges Hoffmann, and the street became known as “Hoffmann Street” in his honor. In 1871, it was renamed “Kruta” (Steep), and in 1903 — after the Polish writer Henryk Sienkiewicz. During the German occupation (1941–1944), it was named “Dichterstrasse” (Poets’ Street). In 1950, it was renamed after the Russian botanist Kliment Timiryazev. The current name — Mykola Voronyi Street — was assigned in 1992, in honor of the Ukrainian writer, director, and actor Mykola Voronyi.
The street’s primary development occurred in the early 20th century, with predominant architectural styles of Classicism and Historicism. Most buildings are listed as local architectural heritage sites.
Architects and Styles
Building No. 9 was constructed in 1904–1905 (some sources say 1907) in the Art Nouveau / Secession style. The building is a unique example of Lviv’s Secession architecture, richly decorated both inside and out.
Who Was the Owner?
The building was originally constructed for the needs of an oil company. While the name of the initial owner is not specified in the sources, it functioned as an office for a private firm. In the interwar period, the building housed the British Consulate, indicating its high status.
What Does the Building Look Like?
It is a three-story building with an asymmetrical façade. The right wing features a protruding bay window (oriel) supported by baroque-style brackets. The façade is adorned with botanical reliefs—ferns, oak, laurel, and daisies. The balconies feature decorative wrought iron railings with vine-like stems, butterflies, and stylized ribbons.
Windows on the second and third floors are embellished with stucco molding, casings, and mascarons (sculpted female faces). The wooden entrance gate is decorated with ornate motifs resembling a peacock’s tail and a broken heart. Inside, the vestibule still contains an original stained glass window made in the Schwarzlot technique, as well as original apartment doors.
Interesting Facts
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Between 1918 and 1939, the building was home to the British Consulate, as well as the Przestschelska Dairy.
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In 2016, as part of the “Diplomatic Lviv” project, a commemorative plaque was unveiled on the façade to honor the historical presence of the consulate.
What’s There Now?
As of 2025, building No. 9 remains residential. It continues to serve as a historic architectural landmark in central Lviv.
List of Sources:
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State Archives of the Lviv Region (DALO) – Fund 2, Inventory 1, File 2287.
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Encyclopedia of the City of Lviv / edited by B. Czołgoszewski, J. Lewicki. – Wrocław: Ossolineum, 2002.
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Vuitsyk, V. S., Lypka, R. M. Meeting with Lviv. — Lviv: Kameniar, 1987.
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Melnyk, I. Lviv: An Architectural and Historical Essay. — Lviv: Center of Europe, 1999.
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Ostash, O. Diplomatic Lviv: Consuls, Embassies, Events. — Lviv: Apriori, 2017.