Formation of the Street
Zustrichna Street is located in Lviv’s Shevchenkivskyi District, within the historical area of Novyi Zniesinnia. It connects Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street with Dublianska Street. The street emerged in the early 20th century as part of the Zniesinnia workers’ settlement, which had been gradually integrated into the city’s urban network since the late 19th century.
Prior to 1927, the street was named Krempnera, in honor of Lviv wine merchant Leib Krempner, who owned several buildings on what is now Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street, near the entrance to Zustrichna. In 1930, it was renamed Słowackiego Street, after the Polish poet Juliusz Słowacki. In 1934, it was renamed Styki Street, after Jan Styka, a Polish painter and co-author of the famous Racławice Panorama. Since 1950, the street has borne its current name — Zustrichna (“Meeting”) — introduced during the Soviet period, likely with an ideological connotation related to the “meeting plans” of socialist production.
In the first half of the 20th century, the area was populated by workers and tram depot employees, and the built environment took on a distinctly working-class character. The neighborhood developed a compact, block-like layout typical of early 20th-century urban housing, with street-facing facades and small internal courtyards.
Builders and Styles
Most buildings on Zustrichna Street were constructed between 1910 and the 1930s in styles reflecting late Secession, early Functionalism, and Constructivism. At the far end of the street, a housing complex for tram depot employees was built in 1912, designed by architects Władysław Derdaćki and Witold Minkiewicz.
The corner building at No. 2 (adjacent to 169 Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street) was constructed between 1908 and 1910 by architect Michał Ulam’s bureau. It exemplifies late Secession style, with an oriel bay, decorative stucco, and a characteristic frieze with geometric motifs.
Who Was the Owner?
There is no specific archival data on the original owner of building No. 2. However, during the interwar period, the ground floor housed a restaurant and retail gallery. After World War II, the building was home to Primary School No. 40, which offered instruction in Ukrainian. In the 2000s, it accommodated the municipal enterprise “Za Zamkom.”
What Does the Building Look Like?
This is a three-story corner tenement with an oriel bay and decorative elements typical of late Secession architecture. The facade includes symmetrical windows, plaster ornamentation, and a horizontal cornice line. The ground floor is adapted for commercial use, while the upper floors are residential. The facade is generally well-preserved, with some modern alterations.
Interesting Facts
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One of Lviv’s earliest electric tram routes ran near Zustrichna Street, shaping its development as a working-class district.
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The street was part of the so-called “Transport Town” — a micro-neighborhood built for municipal transportation workers.
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The name “Zustrichna” (literally “Meeting”) appeared during the Soviet period, likely referencing workers’ production competition slogans.
What Is There Now?
Today, 2 Zustrichna Street functions as a residential building with commercial spaces on the ground floor. The street has preserved much of its interwar character, with modest low-rise housing in a calm urban setting.
Bibliography
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Architecture of Lviv: Time and Styles. 13th–21st centuries. — Lviv: Center of Europe, 2008.
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Streets of Lviv: A Handbook. — Lviv: Litopys, 2001.
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Lviv: Historical Suburbs. — Lviv, 2012.
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History of Lviv: Urban Structure. — Lviv, 2015.
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Heritage and Architecture of Lviv. — Lviv: Apriori, 2014.