Formation of the Street
Ivan Franko Street is one of the oldest and most prestigious thoroughfares in Lviv. It stretches from Soborna Square to the Novyi Lviv district and took its modern shape in 1950 as a result of merging several historical streets: Panska, Chernyshevskoho, Timiriazeva, and Poninskogo. Prior to that, the street bore various names over the centuries: Zbozhova (Getreidegasse), Panska, Pilsudski, Zyblikiewicza, and Chernyshevskoho. Intensive development of the street began in the late 19th century, when the Sofiyivka area was actively built up with villas, rental tenements, and residences of wealthy citizens. In 1895, the street was named in honor of patron Wincenty Poninski, and in 1950, it was renamed after the prominent Ukrainian writer Ivan Franko.
Builders and Styles
The building at 120 Ivan Franko Street, also known as the House of S. Myshkovskyi (sometimes spelled Mitchkovskyi), was constructed in the early 20th century. The project was designed by the renowned architect Ludwik Baldwin-Ramułt. The sculptural decoration of the façade was created by Julian Szebesta. The tenement is built in the Art Nouveau (Secession) style, distinguished by its decorative expressiveness, asymmetrical façade, flowing lines, and floral motifs. The façade is adorned with stucco work, wrought iron balcony railings, and other architectural elements typical of the period.
Who Was the Owner?
The original owner of the building was S. Myshkovskyi. Little is known about him, but his initials remain preserved in the decorative elements on the façade. During the Soviet period, the building was used as a residential house, and it retains this function to this day. The building is privately owned.
What Does the Building Look Like?
Building No. 120 is a three-story tenement with a symmetrical façade decorated with stucco and ornamental elements characteristic of the Art Nouveau style. The windows are framed with profiled surrounds, and the balconies feature wrought iron railings. The façade has preserved its original appearance, which adds to the building’s historical value.
Interesting Facts
The House of S. Myshkovskyi is a representative example of Lviv’s Secession style and is listed as a local architectural heritage monument.
Sculptor Julian Szebesta also contributed to the decoration of other buildings on Franko, Kopernyka, and Doroshenka Streets.
Architect Ludwik Ramułt created several designs for Lviv at the turn of the century, often collaborating with Ivan Levynskyi.
What Is There Now?
Today, the building at 120 Ivan Franko Street is still used as a residential property.
Bibliography
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Vuytsyk V. “Streets of Lviv”
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Biryulov Yu. “Architecture of Lviv: Time and Styles. 13th–21st Centuries”
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“History of Lviv” edited by Kozytskyi A.
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“Architectural Monuments of Lviv”