Formation of the Street
Kleparivska Street is the main thoroughfare of the historical suburb of Klepariv. This area has been known since the 13th century, when Prince Danylo of Halych built defensive lines here to protect Lviv from frequent Tatar raids. The name “Klepariv” originates from the surname of a German colonist, Andreas Klopper, who in 1404 received a land grant north of the city and established the estate Klopperhof, which over time transformed into “Klepariv”.
Throughout the 16th to 18th centuries, the area remained largely agricultural, though sparsely built up with wooden houses. The street now known as Kleparivska formed as a trade route leading toward important connections like the Yaniv tract and the villages of Bryukhovychi and Zboyishcha, as well as to monastic properties.
In the 19th century, Klepariv developed into a suburban zone with increasing infrastructure. By the 1870s, a railway to Yavoriv had been constructed, and in the 1890s, an electric tram line was introduced. This catalyzed dense urban development, turning Kleparivska Street into one of the main axes of modern expansion. In 1931, Klepariv was officially incorporated into Lviv under the “Greater Lviv” project.
Today, Kleparivska Street retains its early 20th-century architectural identity, blending modernist, constructivist, and late Art Nouveau elements.
Builders and Styles
Building No. 7a on Kleparivska Street was constructed in 1911 for the Schwarzvald brothers, based on a design by architect Józef Piątkowski. The building is a representative example of geometric modernism, with a symmetrical façade, strict linear forms, and ornamental geometric motifs.
Who Was the Owner?
The original owners were the Schwarzvald brothers — wealthy Jewish entrepreneurs. The building later changed ownership several times; detailed records of subsequent owners would require archival investigation.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The building is three stories tall with an attic floor. Its symmetrical façade features a central risalit, geometric ornamentation, and wrought iron balconies. The interior preserves original doors and staircases. The building is listed as a local architectural monument (registry no. 1611-m).
Interesting Facts
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Buildings No. 7 and 7a form a “twin houses” ensemble with mirrored designs and layouts.
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Architect Józef Piątkowski also designed the well-known Hausmann Passage in Lviv.
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This section of Kleparivska Street still features original cobblestones and historic electric poles from the early 1900s.
What Is There Now?
Today, building No. 7a houses a furniture store on the ground floor, while the upper floors serve as residential apartments. It functions as a mixed-use residential-commercial property.
Bibliography
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Lewicki Jakub. Między tradycją a nowoczesnością: Architektura Lwowa lat 1893–1918.
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State Archive of Lviv Region, fond 2, opys 1, sprava 121.
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Księga adresowa Król. Stoł. Miasta Lwowa 1910–1914.
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Melnyk Ihor. Old and New Lviv.
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Skorowidz Królewskiego Stołecznego Miasta Lwowa na rok 1912.