Formation of the Street
Ivan Verkhratskyi Street is located in the Lychakivskyi district of Lviv, connecting Chernihivska and Chekhova Streets. The street began forming at the beginning of the 20th century during the active development of the area with residential buildings intended for the middle class. Initially, it was named Hofman’s Side Street; in 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 known as Röntgengasse. In 1946, it was renamed after Ivan Verkhratskyi — a Ukrainian naturalist, writer, and public figure.
The street’s development is characterized by buildings in Viennese Neoclassical and Secession (Art Nouveau) styles. It has a narrow profile, paved with cobblestones, and is framed by high façades, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and historical depth.
Architects and Styles
Building No. 15 on Ivan Verkhratskyi Street is a three-story tenement constructed in the early 20th century. Its architecture combines elements of Secession and Neoclassicism. The façade features decorative stucco work, arched window lintels, and wrought-iron balconies. The building has preserved its authentic architectural elements, adding to its historical value.
Who Was the Owner?
Historical information about the original owners of Building No. 15 is limited. During the interwar period, the building likely functioned as a residential property with apartments on the upper floors and commercial premises on the ground floor. During the Soviet era, it may have been used by state institutions or for housing. Today, the building contains apartments and office spaces.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The building has three floors 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 structure an elegant appearance.
Interesting Facts
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From 1917 to 1921, the famous Polish playwright Gabriela Zapolska lived in an apartment with a balcony on the third floor of this building. While living here, she wrote several works, including the play The Man and the novellas What One Doesn’t Even Want to Think About and Frania Poranek: Her Further Fate.
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Ivan Verkhratskyi Street has a rich cultural heritage, with other notable residents such as writer Olha Duchyminska and philologist Stepan Shchurat.
What Is There Now?
Today, Building No. 15 on Ivan Verkhratskyi Street is used as both a residential and commercial property. The ground floor houses offices, while the upper floors are occupied by apartments. The building retains its historical architecture and is 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.