Formation of the Street
Parkova Street is located in the Halytskyi district of Lviv, connecting Ivan Franko Street with Stryiskyi Park. It emerged in the second half of the 19th century as part of villa-type development near Stryiskyi Park. Throughout its history, the street underwent several name changes: from 1885 — K. Pulaskiego Street; in early 1941 — C. Darwin Street; during the German occupation — Striieparkgasse; from 1946 to 1957 — I. Koneva Street; from 1957 to 1974 — Parkova Street; from 1974 to 1992 — again I. Koneva Street; and since 1992 — Parkova Street.
The street’s development predominantly features residential buildings from the early 20th century, executed in modern and Secession styles.
Builders and Styles
The building at 14 Parkova Street was constructed in 1910 by the architectural bureau of Ivan Levynskyi, based on designs by architects Władysław Derdaćki and Witold Minkiewicz. It is a four-story brick building with a plastered facade, a gable tiled roof, and an irregular rectangular floor plan. The facade is articulated with a gable crown and two faceted bay windows. The rectangular windows are recessed into small niches. Above the entrance portal is a high-relief sculpture by Zygmunt Kurczyński. The building is a characteristic example of post-Secession architecture in Lviv.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The building is four stories high, brick-built, plastered, with a gable tiled roof. The facade is articulated with a gable crown and two faceted bay windows. The rectangular windows are recessed into small niches. Above the entrance portal is a high-relief sculpture by Zygmunt Kurczyński. The interior layout is sectional. The building is a characteristic example of post-Secession architecture in Lviv.
Interesting Facts
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Above the entrance portal is a high-relief sculpture titled “Gladiator” by Zygmunt Kurczyński. Below the relief is a Latin inscription: “Inimice, praeteri hanc domum” (“Enemy, pass by this house”).
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From 1917 until her death, the building was home to Polish sculptor, painter, and public figure Luna Drexler.
What Is There Now?
Today, the building at 14 Parkova Street remains a residential property. It is a local architectural monument and retains original architectural elements from the early 20th century.
Bibliography
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Parkova Street, 14 – Residential Building | Interactive Lviv
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Parkova Street, or on the Way to Stryiskyi Park
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Latin Inscriptions of the Modern Era on Lviv Buildings