Formation of the Street
Dmytra Dontsova Street is located in the Lychakivskyi district of Lviv and connects Lychakivska and Pekarska Streets. It was laid out at the beginning of the 20th century and was initially called Hlynanska Street (1900–1916), as it led toward the town of Hlyniany. In 1933, the street was renamed in honor of Polish political figure Tadeusz Hołówko. During the German occupation, it received the name Ridna Shkola-Gasse. In July 1944, the name Hołówko was briefly restored, but by December of that year, the street was renamed after Soviet commander Hryhoriy Kotovsky. In 1992, it received its current name — in honor of Dmytro Dontsov, a Ukrainian publicist, philosopher, and the founder of the theory of integral nationalism.
The development of the street is characterized by architectural coherence, as many buildings were designed by renowned architects of the early 20th century. Construction began in 1909 and took place in two stages. By 1911, the odd-numbered side of the street was built up in the eclectic style. Afterward, the even-numbered side was developed, featuring predominantly late Secession (Art Nouveau) buildings.
Architecture and Style
Building No. 2 on Dmytra Dontsova Street is a three-story residential tenement built in the early 20th century in the late Secession style. The façade features characteristic elements of this style: floral stucco decoration, arched windows, and wrought-iron balconies. The building has preserved many of its original architectural details, which emphasize its historical and artistic value.
Who Was the Owner?
Historical information about the original owner of Building No. 2 is limited. During the interwar period, the building was likely used as an income-generating property with apartments on the upper floors and commercial premises on the ground floor. During the Soviet era, it may have housed state institutions or remained a residential building. Today, it accommodates both residential apartments and office spaces.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The building has three floors and a symmetrical façade. The windows are framed with decorative moldings, and the balconies feature wrought-iron railings. The façade is painted in light tones, giving the building an elegant appearance. The preservation of original architectural elements adds to its historical value.
Interesting Facts
-
Building No. 2 is included in the register of local architectural monuments.
-
Dmytra Dontsova Street is predominantly built up with respectable Secession-style buildings from the early 20th century.
What Is There Now?
Today, Building No. 2 on Dmytra Dontsova Street is used as both a residential and commercial property. Offices are located on the ground floor, while the upper floors are occupied by apartments. The building has retained its historical architectural character and remains part of Lviv’s cultural heritage.
Bibliography
-
Architecture of Lviv: Time and Styles. XIII–XXI Centuries / Ed. by M. Bevz, Yu. Biryulov et al. — Lviv: Center of Europe, 2008.
-
Biryulov, Yu. Lviv: Architecture of the Late 19th – Early 20th Century. — Lviv: Center of Europe, 2010.
-
Lemko, I., Mykhalyk, V. 1243 Streets of Lviv (1939–2009). — Lviv: Apriori, 2009.
-
Lewicki, J. Between Tradition and Modernity: Architecture of Lviv 1893–1918. — Warsaw: Neriton, 2005.
-
Address Book of the Royal Capital City of Lviv, 1932. — Lviv: Mutual Aid Society Publishing, 1932.