Formation of the Street
Melnyka Street is located in the Frankivskyi District of Lviv, in the Novyi Svit area. It connects Antonovycha and Morshynska Streets, intersecting with Konovaltsia and Yefremova Streets. Throughout its history, the street has undergone several name changes: from Kryzhova Side Street (1863), to Shymonovycha (1898), Kurmarkgasse (1942), Raskovoi (1945), Cherniakhovskoho (1946), and since 1992, it has borne the name of Andrii Melnyk, a Ukrainian military and political figure.
Builders and Styles
Villa “Sonechko” in Lviv is a unique architectural monument, constructed in 1905 based on the design of architect August Bohokhvalskyi for the director of the Grand City Theatre, Ludwik Heller. The building is executed in the Zakopane style with elements of Art Nouveau, which was atypical for Bohokhvalskyi’s works. The Zakopane style, inspired by the traditions of Carpathian architecture, is characterized by the use of wooden elements, high roofs, and decorative carvings. A distinctive feature of the villa is the decorative elements made of concrete and wood that symbolize the sun, which led to its name “Sonyachna” or “Sonechko” (meaning “Sunny” or “Little Sun”). The building’s structure is asymmetrical, featuring a carved veranda, intricate window frames, wrought iron elements, and wooden stairs. The high roof, covered with tiles, gives it a resemblance to Carpathian houses.
Who Is the Owner?
Villa “Sonechko” in Lviv was built in 1905 for Ludwik Heller and his wife, Iryna Bohuss-Heller. Ludwik Heller was a prominent cultural figure in Lviv: he managed the Skarbek Theatre (now the Maria Zankovetska National Drama Theatre), founded the Lviv Philharmonic, and held the position of director of the Grand City Theatre (now the Lviv National Opera). His wife, Iryna Bohuss-Heller, was a renowned opera singer.
What Does the House Look Like?
The Zakopane style, inspired by the traditions of Carpathian architecture, involves the use of wooden elements, high roofs, and decorative carvings. However, the architect incorporated atypical solutions for this style, such as decorative elements made of concrete and wood symbolizing the sun. The villa’s structure is asymmetrical, featuring a beautiful carved veranda, intricate window frames, wrought iron elements, and a wooden staircase. The villa also has a high roof covered with tiles, giving it a resemblance to Carpathian houses.
What Is Here Now?
After the Heller family resided there, the villa underwent changes in use and ownership. As of 2022, the building was divided into several separate apartments, and residents proposed converting one of the premises into a music center named after Ludwik Heller.
Consequences of the Missile Strike
As a result of the Russian missile attack on September 4, 2024, approximately 188 buildings in Lviv were damaged, including at least seven architectural monuments of local significance and many buildings of historical value located in the historic area and UNESCO buffer zone. One of them is Villa “Sonyachna.” The building’s roof suffered the most damage; due to the blast wave, part of the authentic tiles were damaged. Traces of shrapnel are visible on the facade, window and door structures are deformed, and the glazing is shattered.
