Formation of the Street
Ivana Kotliarevskogo Street is located in the historical district of Kastelivka, which developed at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries as an elite residential neighborhood of Lviv. Initially, the street was known as “Na Villakh” (“At the Villas”) due to the presence of villas in the area. In 1895, it was renamed Nabielaka Street in honor of the Polish poet Ludwik Nabielak. During the German occupation in 1941–1944, it was known as Schillergasse, and from 1946 onward it has borne the name of Ivan Kotliarevsky – a prominent Ukrainian writer and playwright. The street’s development reflects the broader trend of Lviv’s western expansion during the Austro-Hungarian period. Architectural ensembles on this street are dominated by villas and Secession-style buildings, creating a cohesive and picturesque urban landscape.
Builders and Style
The house at 45 Ivana Kotliarevskogo Street was constructed in 1910–1911 based on a project by architect Bronisław Bauer. The building exemplifies features of the late Secession style: the façade is adorned with a projecting bay window (oriel), a tall gable, and decorative finishes that include glazed ceramic (majolica) and brick inlays. The house forms a mirrored pair with the neighboring building at number 43, creating a T-shaped structure with L-shaped floor plans. An oval staircase is located at the junction between the main body and the rear wing.
Who Was the Owner?
Until 1927, the house was home to Karol Machalski (1884–1966), a Polish civil engineer and educator who co-founded the architectural and engineering firm “Spółka Inżynierów Machalski, Felpel, Własicz.” As of 2025, the building is owned and maintained by the condominium association “Kotliarevskoho-45-Lviv,” registered in 2016.
What Does the Building Look Like?
This is a three-storey building with its façade separated from the sidewalk by a flower bed. The center of the façade is accentuated by an oriel and a high gable. The entrance and passageway are located on the left side, adjacent to the firewall. Over time, the building underwent alterations, including the removal of the original high hip roof, although some of the authentic decorative elements, such as ceramic and brick details, have been preserved.
Interesting Facts
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The building forms a symmetric pair with number 43, creating a rare mirrored architectural composition.
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Karol Machalski, a notable figure in Lviv’s engineering history, once resided here and contributed significantly to the city’s construction landscape.
What Is There Now?
Today, the building continues to serve as a residential apartment house.
Bibliography
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Interactive Lviv: 45 Kotliarevskogo Street
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Wikipedia: Kotliarevskogo Street (Lviv)
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YouControl: Homeowners’ Association “Kotliarevskoho-45-Lviv”
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Photo-Lviv.in.ua: Secrets of the Luxurious Tenements of Kotliarevskogo Street
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Landmarks of Lviv: Kotliarevskogo Street