Formation of the Street
Ivan Verkhratskyi Street is located in the Lychakivskyi district of Lviv. Its formation began in the early 20th century, when this area, previously a rural landscape, began to be actively developed. Initially, the street was called Hofman Side Street, but in 1905 it was renamed Holomba Street in honor of architect Andrzej Hołomb, who designed many of the houses along it. During the German occupation (1943–1944), it was named Röntgengasse. In 1946, it received its current name in honor of the Ukrainian linguist and naturalist Ivan Verkhratskyi.
The street’s development occurred in two main phases. By 1903, under Hołomb’s direction, the odd-numbered side of the street was built up with houses in the eclectic style. After his death, construction continued with houses Nos. 7–15, and the even-numbered side was developed, featuring late Secession (Art Nouveau) style. The architectural consistency of the street is largely due to the fact that its original ensemble was designed by a single architect.
Builders and Styles
Building No. 10 was constructed in 1923 as a five-story tenement, making it stand out among the predominantly three-story buildings along the street. The building is designed in the late Secession style with elements of Neoclassicism. Its façade features stucco decoration, arched windows, and wrought-iron balconies. The layout is symmetrical, with a central entrance and decorative elements typical of early 20th-century Art Nouveau.
Who Was the Owner?
In the interwar period, the building was owned by landlord Bernard Rappoport. On the third floor, in apartment No. 7, lived two prominent Ukrainian writers — Olha Duchyminska and Iryna Vilde.
What Does the Building Look Like?
This five-story structure has a symmetrical façade. The decorative design includes stucco ornamentation, arched windows, and wrought-iron balconies — all characteristic of the Secession style. Many of the building’s original architectural elements are well preserved, contributing to its historical value.
Interesting Facts
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The building is listed as a local architectural monument.
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The renowned Ukrainian literary scholar, academician Vasyl Shchurat (1871–1945), lived in this house.
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The building stands out as one of the tallest and most ornate structures on the street.
What Is There Now?
Today, Building No. 10 on Ivan Verkhratskyi Street is used as a residential property. It has preserved its historical architecture and remains part of the cultural and architectural heritage of Lviv.
Bibliography
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Architecture of Lviv: Time and Styles. XIII–XXI Centuries — Lviv: Center of Europe, 2008.
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Biryulov, Yu. Lviv: Architecture of the Late 19th – Early 20th Century — Lviv: Center of Europe, 2010.
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Lemko, I., Mykhalyk, V. 1243 Streets of Lviv (1939–2009) — Lviv: Apriori, 2009.
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Lewicki, J. Between Tradition and Modernity: Architecture of Lviv 1893–1918 — Warsaw: Neriton, 2005.
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Universal Encyclopedia of Lviv / Ed. A. Kozytskyi — Lviv: Litopys, 2008–2010.