Formation of the Street
Khotynska Street was established in the early 20th century as part of the Klepariv district’s expansion, which followed the construction of Lviv’s main railway station in the mid-19th century. The area became a transportation and residential hub, with a grid layout and standardized housing blocks for railway workers, civil servants, and tradespeople.
The name “Khotynska” likely dates to the interwar period and honors the historic Ukrainian town of Khotyn, known for its fortress and military heritage. Since 1945, the street has remained predominantly residential. Its built environment mostly reflects architectural forms from the 1900–1910 period.
2. About the Building at 1 Khotynska St.
Builders and Styles
This four-story townhouse, built in 1906–1907, was designed by the architectural-construction bureau of Ivan Levynskyi in collaboration with Tadeusz Obmiński. The building exemplifies the Lviv Secession (Art Nouveau) style, with touches of Neo-Gothic. Its symmetrical façade features prominent vertical elements, intricate stucco work, and elegant design.
Key features include extended windows, bay windows with balconies, triangular gables, and wrought-iron decorative elements. The mix of materials and ornamental detail are characteristic of Levynskyi’s school of design.
Who Was the Owner?
The original owner was likely a private investor — possibly linked to the railway sector or city administration. Like many similar buildings, it was constructed as an income-generating rental property. It was nationalized after 1939, and today most of its apartments are privately owned.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The building has four stories, including a semi-basement level. The façade is plastered in soft tones and decorated with Secession-style stucco. A central bay window with an upper balcony marks the composition. The windows are vertically elongated with stylized frames. The top features decorative gables. The entrance retains an original wooden door with iron elements, and the interior hallway includes tiled walls, wrought-iron railings, and fragments of stained glass.
Interesting Facts
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The building is listed in the Register of Local Architectural Monuments under protection number 1678-m.
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It marks the beginning of the street and stands at the corner of Khotynska and Chernivetska Streets.
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Tadeusz Obmiński, a co-designer, was also a professor at the Lviv Polytechnic Institute.
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The house is part of a cohesive architectural ensemble with neighboring buildings No. 3, 4, and 6.
What Is There Now?
The building is used for residential purposes. The ground floor contains small commercial spaces (shop, workshop). Several apartments are privatized. It has retained a high degree of authenticity and is considered a valuable example of Lviv’s Secession architecture.
Bibliography
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Biriulow J. Architecture of Lviv: Secession Period
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Melnyk I. Lviv: Architectural Mosaic
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Vuytsyk V. Architecture of Lviv