Formation of the Street
Yuriy Fedkovych Street in Lviv has a rich history that reflects the city’s development from a suburban area to a modern urban space.
The street emerged before 1859 as part of the Cemetery Road leading to the Horodotskyi Cemetery. In 1885, after the cemetery was closed, the street was renamed in honor of the Sheptytsky family. Later, in the 1930s, it received its current name — after the Ukrainian writer Yuriy Fedkovych.
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Fedkovych Street became part of the Novyi Svit (New World) district, which was actively being built up with multi-story tenement houses. This process reflected the transformation of Lviv’s suburbs into full-fledged urban quarters with developed infrastructure.
Today, Fedkovych Street combines historical buildings with modern infrastructure. It houses residential buildings, cultural institutions, and commercial establishments. The street has retained its historical character and remains an important part of Lviv’s urban landscape.
Architects and Styles
Building No. 26 on Fedkovych Street in Lviv was constructed in 1909, based on a design by architect Maurycy Silberstein. The building’s architecture displays features of Art Nouveau, which was popular in the early 20th century. This style is characterized by decorative details, asymmetry, and the use of plant motifs.
Who Owned It?
During the interwar period, the building housed Lieberman’s watchmaking workshop and Bigelaiser’s restaurant. In the 1950s, it hosted a shoe repair workshop, and from the 1960s — the shops “Haberdashery” and “Knitwear.” Currently, a pharmacy operates in the building, while the former shop premises remain vacant.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The building has three floors and features typical Art Nouveau elements: decorative façades, asymmetrical windows, and balconies with wrought-iron railings. The façade is adorned with stucco decorations in plant motifs, emphasizing the aesthetics of the early 20th century.
Interesting Facts
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The building was constructed as part of the active development of the Novyi Svit district at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Architect Maurycy Silberstein also designed the neighboring building at No. 24 on the same street.
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The building is part of Lviv’s historic area and is protected as a local architectural heritage site.
What Is There Now?
Today, Building No. 26 serves both residential and commercial functions. A pharmacy operates on the ground floor, while the upper floors are occupied by residential apartments. The former commercial premises are currently unused.
Bibliography
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Architecture of Lviv: Time and Styles. XIII–XXI centuries / Edited by M. Bevz, Yu. Biryulov et al. — Lviv: Center of Europe, 2008. — 720 p.
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Biryulov, Yu. Lviv in the Art Nouveau Style. — Lviv: Center of Europe, 2005. — 144 p.
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Lemko, I., Mykhalyk, V. 1243 Streets of Lviv (1939–2009). — Lviv: Apriori, 2009. — pp. 95–97.
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Address Book of the Royal Capital City of Lviv. — Lviv: Mutual Aid Society Publishing, 1932.
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Lewicki, J. Between Tradition and Modernity: Architecture of Lviv 1893–1918. — Warsaw: Neriton, 2005.