Street Formation
Les Martovych Street is located in the Halytskyi district of Lviv and connects Hryhorovycha, Popovycha, Kalicha Hora, and Stefanyka Streets. It was laid out in 1898 on land owned by the Friedrich family, a prominent soap and candle manufacturer. Originally named Friedrichgasse, later Malewegasse, the street was renamed after the Ukrainian writer Les Martovych following World War II.
The street’s development occurred during 1898–1910, a period of rapid urban growth in Lviv. Its architecture reflects the Secession, ornamental Art Nouveau, and Historicist styles.
Builders and Styles
Buildings No. 6 and 8 were erected in 1907. The project was commissioned by the Friedrich family. The design was authored by architect Napoleon Lushkevych. Construction was carried out by builder Władysław Sadłowski. The houses were built in the style of ornamental Secession, with floral stucco motifs, wrought iron balconies, and colored ceramic inserts.
Who Was the Owner?
The initial owners were the Friedrich family. During the interwar period, the buildings housed mostly Polish intelligentsia. Under Soviet rule, they were nationalized and converted into communal apartments. Today, they remain residential with privatized units and mixed ownership.
What Does the Building Look Like?
These are three-story townhouses with attics. The unified architectural ensemble features rich Secessionist decoration: stucco foliage motifs (chestnut, acanthus), sculpted window surrounds, and elegant wrought iron balconies. The facades are crowned with distinctive attics.
Interesting Facts
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The three buildings form a cohesive architectural unit — a rare example of a complete Secessionist facade row in Lviv.
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Architect Napoleon Lushkevych also designed notable buildings on Ivana Franka and Drahomanova Streets; builder Sadłowski was active across Kastelivka and Lychakiv areas.
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In the interwar period, a private girls’ gymnasium operated in one of the buildings.
What’s There Now?
Today, these buildings function as residential properties with some offices and shops on the ground floor. They retain their authentic appearance and are part of the protected zone of Lviv’s historic center.
References
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Martovych Street (Lviv) — Wikipedia
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Central Lviv: An Architectural-Historical Overview — Lviv: Kameniar, 1989
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Ilko Lemko, V. Mykhalyk, H. Beglyarov — 1243 Streets of Lviv (1939–2009)