Formation of the avenue
Viacheslava Chornovola Avenue is one of Lviv’s major traffic routes, formed in the early 20th century on the site of the Poltva River. Originally a marshy area, the river was covered by a collector, and a wide boulevard was laid. Between 1890 and 1910, elegant tenement buildings for middle-class residents were constructed on both sides of the avenue. During the Soviet era, blocks of modernist apartment buildings were added. The avenue received its current name in the 1990s in honor of Vyacheslav Chornovil — a Ukrainian public and political figure.
About building No. 13
Builders and style
The building was constructed around 1905 in the decorative Secession style with elements of historicism. It is a three-story masonry structure with symmetrical facades, ornate stucco, curved ornamental lines, floral motifs, and large segmental windows. The likely architect was Henryk Orlean.
First owner
The first owners were Moshe and Nekhe Halber — a wealthy Jewish family engaged in trade and real estate leasing. Their names appear in early 20th-century municipal property registries. The Halbers owned several properties in this neighborhood.
Appearance
The building features three stories and a basement, with a central entrance accentuated by a metal gate and an arched passage to the courtyard. The second and third floors have balconies with iron brackets. The decorative stucco and Art Nouveau elements remain largely intact.
Interesting facts
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The house is part of a consistent architectural ensemble formed by Jewish and Polish developers before World War I.
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Commercial premises such as workshops or stores likely operated on the ground floor during the interwar period.
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Many original Art Nouveau details remain intact despite the lack of major restorations.
Current use
The building is currently residential, with some premises rented out.
References
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Registry of Lviv real estate owners (1905–1914)
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“Architecture of Lviv: Eras and Styles”
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Urban planning development of Lviv (late 19th – early 20th c.)