Formation of the Street
Doroshenka Street, formerly known as Sixtus Street, is one of Lviv’s central thoroughfares, connecting Svobody Avenue with Bandera Street. Its origins trace back to a road leading from the city’s medieval walls to the estate of Erasmus Sixtus, a renowned physician and mayor of Lviv in the early 17th century. The street was named after him and retained the name Sixtus Street until the early 20th century. In 1938, a portion of the street was renamed Defense of Lviv Street to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the November battles. During the Soviet era, it was called Zhovtneva (October) Street. In 1992, following Ukraine’s independence, the street was renamed in honor of Hetman Petro Doroshenko.
The street’s development accelerated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the construction of multi-story residential buildings in styles ranging from historicism to Art Nouveau and functionalism. The introduction of an electric tram line in 1894 further spurred urbanization, making Doroshenka Street a vital artery in Lviv’s cityscape.
Architecture and Style
Building No. 32 on Doroshenka Street is a four-story residential building constructed between 1907 and 1908, designed by architect Artur Schleyen. The building exemplifies the Art Nouveau style, characterized by its ornate facade and decorative elements. In 1933–1934, architect Henryk Sandig redesigned the shop portals on the ground floor.
The building features a symmetrical facade with a slightly offset entrance portal. Balconies with wrought-iron railings in curved designs adorn the second to fourth floors. A prominent stucco peacock, symbolizing luxury, crowns the attic, while laurel wreaths and decorative inserts embellish the upper windows.
Historical Use
Before 1939, the building housed the “Ars” art printing house, contributing to Lviv’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. The presence of such an establishment indicates the building’s role in the city’s intellectual and artistic life during the interwar period.
Current Use
Today, the building continues to serve as a residential property, with commercial spaces on the ground floor. Its preserved architectural features make it a notable example of Lviv’s early 20th-century urban development.