Formation of the Street
Ivan Verkhratskyi Street is located in the Lychakivskyi district of Lviv, connecting Patriarch Dymytrii Yarema Street with Chernihivska Street. It was laid out in the early 20th century. Initially, it was called Hofman Side Street (until 1904), and from 1905 it was renamed Holomba Street, in honor of architect Andrzej Hołomb, who designed many of the buildings along it. During the German occupation, it was renamed Röntgengasse. Since 1946, it has borne the name of Ivan Verkhratskyi — a Ukrainian linguist, naturalist, and public figure who worked and was buried in Lviv.
The development of the street is noted for its architectural coherence, as many of its buildings were designed by the same architect or his associates. Construction began in 1899 and proceeded in two phases. By 1903, the odd-numbered side of the street was developed in the eclectic style, after which work continued on the even-numbered side, where late Secession (Art Nouveau) architecture became dominant. This created a harmonious and historically valuable urban environment.
Builders and Styles
Building No. 11 on Ivan Verkhratskyi Street was constructed in the early 20th century, most likely designed by Andrzej Hołomb or his students. The architectural style is late Secession with elements of Neoclassicism. The façade is decorated with features characteristic of this style: floral stucco, arched windows, and wrought-iron balconies. The building retains many authentic architectural elements that emphasize its historical and artistic value.
Who Was the Owner?
Historical information about the original owner of Building No. 11 is limited. During the interwar period, the building was likely used as a rental property, with commercial premises on the ground floor and apartments above. In the Soviet period, the building may have been used by state institutions or remained a residential house. Today, it is used for both residential and commercial purposes.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The building has three stories and a symmetrical façade. The windows are adorned with decorative moldings, and the balconies have wrought-iron railings. The façade is painted in light tones, which give the building an elegant appearance. The preservation of original architectural elements enhances the historic value of the property.
Interesting Facts
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Building No. 11 is listed as a local architectural monument.
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Verkhratskyi Street is mostly lined with well-preserved Secession-style buildings from the early 20th century.
What Is There Now?
Today, Building No. 11 on Ivan Verkhratskyi Street functions as a mixed-use property. Offices are located on the ground floor, and residential apartments occupy the upper floors. The building has retained its historical appearance and is considered part of Lviv’s cultural heritage.
Bibliography
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Architecture of Lviv: Time and Styles. XIII–XXI Centuries / Ed. by M. Bevz, Yu. Biryulov et al. — 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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Gierszewska, B. Cinema and Film in Lviv before 1939. — Kielce: Świętokrzyska Academy Publishing House, 2006.