Formation of the Street
Ivan Verkhratskyi Street is located in the Lychakivskyi district of Lviv. Its formation began in the early 20th century. Initially, it was known as Hofman’s Side Street, and later as Holomba Street, named after architect Andrzej Hołomb, who designed most of the buildings along it. During the German occupation, it was called Röntgengasse. In 1946, it received its current name in honor of Ivan Verkhratskyi — a Ukrainian linguist, naturalist, and public figure.
The street is notable for its architectural coherence, as many of the buildings were designed by Andrzej Hołomb. Construction began in 1899 and unfolded in two main phases. By 1903, the odd-numbered side had been developed in the eclectic style. After Hołomb’s death, the even-numbered side was developed, where late Secession (Art Nouveau) architecture dominates.
Architecture and Style
Building No. 11a is a three-story residential tenement built in 1905 in the late Secession style. The façade features typical elements of the period: decorative stucco, arched windows, and wrought-iron balconies. The building has preserved many authentic architectural details, adding to its historical and artistic value.
Who Was the Owner?
Historical data on the original owner of Building No. 11a is limited. During the interwar period, the building likely served as a revenue house, with commercial premises on the ground floor and residential apartments above. In the Soviet era, it may have housed government institutions or remained residential. Today, it contains both apartments and office spaces.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The building has three stories and a symmetrical façade. The windows are framed with decorative moldings, and the balconies have wrought-iron railings. The façade is painted in light tones, giving the building an elegant appearance. Its authenticity and well-preserved details reflect the architectural quality of early 20th-century Lviv.
Interesting Facts
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Building No. 11a is listed as a local architectural monument under protection number 1581, as per Resolution No. 280 of May 21, 1991.
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Buildings No. 12 and 14 on Kravchuka Street and Nos. 11a and 15 on Verkhratskyi Street together form a shared, irregularly shaped courtyard — a characteristic planning feature of this district.
What Is There Now?
Today, Building No. 11a on Ivan Verkhratskyi Street functions as both a residential and commercial property. Offices are located on the ground floor, while the upper floors contain apartments. The building retains its historical architecture and remains 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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Address Book of the Royal Capital City of Lviv, 1932. — Lviv: Mutual Aid Society Publishing, 1932.