Formation of the Street
Khotynska Street developed at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries in the western part of Lviv — the Klepariv suburb, near the main train station. The street’s growth was tied to the expansion of urban infrastructure to support railway operations and increasing residential needs for civil servants and workers. The area was laid out with a regular street grid and filled with townhouses and public buildings.
The name “Khotynska” most likely appeared in the interwar period, in line with a tradition of naming streets after Ukrainian historical cities. Khotyn, in Bukovyna, is known for its fortress and historic battles. During the Soviet era, the street maintained its residential and educational functions with minimal structural changes.
About the Buildings at 4 and 6 Khotynska St.
Builders and Styles
This architectural complex of two three-story buildings was constructed in 1907–1908 by the renowned architectural and construction bureau of Ivan Levynskyi, one of the most influential architects in Lviv’s history. The buildings were completed on August 13, 1908. The style reflects rational Secession (Modernism) with restrained decoration, symmetry, and large window openings appropriate for educational facilities.
Who Was the Owner?
From the outset, the buildings served educational purposes. In 1908, they became home to the IX Jan Kochanowski Humanitarian Gymnasium, a Polish-language boys’ school mostly for children of civil servants and small business owners. After the Soviet annexation in 1939, the gymnasium was dissolved. From 1940, building No. 6 was converted to a residential house, while No. 4 housed Secondary School No. 15 with Russian as the language of instruction.
After World War II, the school continued to operate, but in 1975 was reorganized. The number was transferred to a newly built school on Patona Street, and students were moved to School No. 18 (now Lviv Ukrainian Humanities Lyceum named after Olena Stepaniv). Later, School No. 59 was relocated to the premises on Khotynska Street.
What Do the Buildings Look Like?
Both buildings are three stories tall, brick, plastered, with pitched roofs. They feature symmetrical façades with minimalist Modernist detailing — lintels, horizontal moldings, and large school-style windows. Building No. 4 has a corner entrance and signage for the current art lyceum. The design emphasizes utility with modest elegance — typical of Ivan Levynskyi’s educational projects.
Interesting Facts
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During the German occupation, a hospital likely operated within the buildings.
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Until 1953, School No. 15 accepted only boys.
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Today, Lviv Art Lyceum functions in building No. 4, continuing the over 100-year-old educational tradition.
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In 2008, a memorial plaque was unveiled on the building to commemorate the gymnasium’s centenary.
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Both buildings are registered as local architectural monuments, with protection status numbers 1680-m (No. 6) and 1681-m (No. 4).
What Is There Now?
Building No. 4 currently houses the Lviv Art Lyceum, a specialized secondary school for visual arts and one of the city’s leading institutions for artistic education. Building No. 6 remains a residential house with some auxiliary uses. Both buildings are in good condition and preserve their architectural heritage.
Bibliography
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Biriulow J. Architecture of Lviv: Secession Style
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Central State Historical Archives of Ukraine in Lviv, Fond 2, Inventory 1
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Melnyk I. Lviv: Architectural Mosaic