Formation of the Street
Rylskoho Street is located in the Halytskyi District of Lviv, in a historical area bordering the upper part of the city center. The street took shape during the interwar period — primarily in the 1920s–1930s, when Lviv was part of Poland. At that time, new streets were actively laid out on the outskirts of the historic city core, following modern urban planning principles: a regular block grid, wide sidewalks, regulated building heights, and functional zoning. This was part of the broader vision of building a “new Lviv” — spatially organized, comfortable for the middle class, and architecturally restrained.
Originally named Rybacka Street (Polish: ulica Rybacka), the area was developed by private investors — mostly educated urbanites, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Typical were three-story functionalist apartment buildings intended for rental or residence by affluent families. After World War II, as part of the Soviet campaign to Ukrainianize Lviv’s toponymy, the street was renamed in honor of the Ukrainian poet Maksym Rylskyi.
The street is distinguished by a cohesive architectural fabric: most buildings here were constructed in the functionalist or interwar modernist style. This gives the street the feel of a calm, respectable residential environment. In contrast to the denser construction of the Austro-Hungarian period, this area offers more light, space, and privacy.
About Building No. 7
Builders and Styles
The building was erected in 1938, designed by engineer-architect Henryk Zandig. It is an example of functionalism — an architectural movement focused on minimalism, practicality, and ergonomic design. The curvature of the street was considered in the design, resulting in an asymmetrical façade with a bay window and an offset entrance.
Who was the owner?
The building was commissioned by Karolina Reiss, an engineer and the wife of Felix Reiss, a professor at Lviv University. The couple resided at 4 Fredra Street, and this building was intended for tenants.
What does the building look like?
This is a three-story structure with characteristic asymmetry. The left part of the façade projects forward and features three balconies (now partially enclosed), while the right section is recessed. The entrance is highlighted by tall windows and a circular porthole-style window. The interior includes colored alabaster finishes, geometric decorative lighting fixtures, and original curved metal railings that have been preserved.
Interesting facts
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The building originally included a caretaker’s apartment.
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Each floor contains two spacious apartments.
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The architecture takes advantage of the street’s natural curve, giving the building a striking appearance from multiple angles.
What is there now?
The building continues to serve a residential purpose. Some apartments have undergone changes — balconies have been enclosed, and doors and windows replaced. However, the structure retains the character of interwar functionalist architecture in Lviv.