Formation of the street
Sofiia Yablonska Street, formerly Panenska and then Zavodska, is situated in Lviv’s Pidzamche area. Its development began in the late 18th century near a monastery. A major wave of residential building occurred between 1904–1907. In 2022, the street was renamed after writer-photographer Sofiia Yablonska. Today, it is a narrow cobbled one-way street with historic multi-story buildings, greenery, and public transit access.
Builders and style
Houses No. 9 and No. 11 were built in 1906–1907 by architect Karol Skavinsky. These three-story income houses blend ornamental Secession and Neo-Renaissance styles. The façades feature symmetrical layouts, plaster decorations, stucco panels, balconies with metal brackets, and arched entrances. Together with Nos. 21 and 23, they form a cohesive architectural ensemble.
Who were the owners?
-
No. 9: Owned by Hillel Noy and his wife Sheyndl until the 1940s.
-
No. 11:
-
1916: Izaak Fuchs
-
1920: Dr. Bernard Fuchs
-
1935–1939: Hilda and Saul Bok
During the interwar period, these buildings housed Adolf Frucht’s asphalt factory and Wittlos’s “Columbia” chemical goods. Post-war they were nationalized and are now co-owned by residents.
-
Appearance
Both are three-story brick buildings with basements and plastered façades. First-floor windows are rectangular; upper floors have ornate window frames and cornices. Balconies at the second-floor level rest on metal brackets. The central entrance features an arched portal. Courtyard passages and service annexes are typical of the period. The architecture showcases geometric and vegetal decorative motifs characteristic of Secession.
Interesting facts
-
No. 9 and No. 11 are protected as local heritage monuments (Nos. 593/1‑m and 593/2‑m).
-
They are among the most distinguished examples of early 20th-century Secession in Lviv linked to the Jewish intelligentsia.
-
In the interwar period, they accommodated industrial sites—an asphalt plant and a chemical shop.
-
During restoration in 2023–2024, façades were refreshed, balconies repaired, and archways restored.
What is there now?
Upper floors serve as residential apartments; ground floors may house private offices or small businesses (workshops, studios). The façades are maintained under heritage protection regulations. The street retains its historic cobble paving, greenery, and active pedestrian and transit use.
References
-
I. Krypyakevych. Historical Walks around Lviv
-
B. Melnyk. Guide to the Streets of Lviv
-
1243 Streets of Lviv (monograph)
-
Center for Urban History — description of Yablonska Street’s development