Formation of the Street
Petra Doroshenka Street is one of the main axes of Lviv’s historic center, linking Mitskevych Square with General Chuprynka Street. Its formation dates back to the medieval period, when it served as a road to suburban estates, notably those belonging to the Sixt family. In the 17th century, it received its first municipal name — Sixtus Street — in honor of Erasmus Sixt, a Lviv physician and burgomaster.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the area retained a semi-rural character. The upper part of today’s Doroshenka Street led through orchards and fields toward the fortifications near the present-day Church of St. Mary Magdalene. Major transformation occurred in the 19th century after the city’s fortification walls were demolished. This spurred urban development, with residential buildings, shops, banks, and educational institutions appearing.
In 1894, the first electric tram line in Lviv was laid along this street, boosting its role as a transport artery. By the early 20th century, Sixtus Street symbolized the modern city — lined with stylish tenement buildings, cafes, and elegant shops in the Secession style. In 1944, the street was renamed Zhovtneva, and since 1991 it has borne the name of Hetman Petro Doroshenko, a prominent 17th-century Ukrainian statesman.
Builders and Styles
Building No. 14 was constructed in 1911 by architect Henryk Salver for lawyer Adolf Menkes. Sculptural decorations were executed by Zygmunt Kurczynski, with structural calculations by architect Józef Awin. The building exemplifies Lviv Secession with ornate stucco work and expressive mascarons.
Who Was the Owner?
The building’s original owner and client was lawyer Adolf Menkes. During the interwar period, it housed offices, including a brickworks bureau and the editorial office of a Jewish engineers’ technical journal.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The four-storey building features a central Secession-style entrance with an arched portal. The staircase is spatially connected with the carriage passage, allowing natural light to penetrate. The sculptural façade elements are well preserved and contribute to the building’s distinctive character.
Interesting Facts
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In 2019, a new wooden gate was crafted for the building, based on an authentic historical design.
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In 2024, emergency roofing elements were dismantled with the support of a city restoration program.
What Is There Now?
The building functions as residential property.
Bibliography
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Encyclopedia of Lviv. Vol. 2.
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Melnyk I. Lviv Streets and Tenement Houses. — Lviv, 2008.
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Architecture of Lviv: Time and Styles. XIII–XXI centuries. — Lviv, 2008.
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Tenement Houses of Lviv: Features of Secession Architecture.
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Lviv Residential Architecture of the 1900s: Architects and Patrons.