At the address Lwowska 15 in Warsaw stands a tenement house that has resisted the passage of time for more than a century. Its unusual silhouette is the work of the Scottish architect Arthur Gurney, who designed it in 1911-1912. Although the building survived the turbulent times of the 20th century, such as wars, regime changes or nationalisations, it has not lost its character. Today, it shines again thanks to the comprehensive renovation of its façade, carried out with funding from the City of Warsaw.
The tenement house at 15 Lwowska Street is also known as “Under the Falcon” because of the bas-relief depicting this very bird. The building is one of the most valuable examples of Warsaw architecture, not only because of its well-preserved interior layout and details, but above all because of its unique, multi-faceted façade. This unusual façade is a peculiar collage of styles. The front elevation of the building is a true work of art. The surfaces are covered with a variety of render: from rustic, stone block-like plinths, through the fluted planes of the middle storeys, to the rough spray render on the top floors. There were also smooth surfaces on the balconies and dormers, creating a counterpoint to the other textures.
The architectural dialogue is enriched by decorations made with great precision, such as cast and drawn columns, mascarons, animal motifs and floral ornaments. Everything is enriched by original window joinery and fine metalwork – balustrades and flowerbeds. Particular attention is drawn to the irregular shape of the building, with numerous bays, faults and as many as six different types of balconies. A curiosity is the lack of a traditional entrance gate, typical of townhouses from the early 20th century. Unfortunately, it was the diversity of forms and materials that proved to be the building’s Achilles’ heel. Time and atmospheric conditions did not spare the façade, leading to dampness, rust and erosion of the plasterwork. Fragments of the details began to fall off, endangering passers-by. It was therefore necessary to install protective nets – an ad hoc solution, but far from aesthetically pleasing.
The building did not receive a comprehensive renovation for decades. The breakthrough came only in 2024, when, with the support of the city in the amount of PLN 342,000, a thorough renovation of the facade began. The scope of work included, among other things, removing the causes of damage, especially in sensitive areas such as balconies, securing the structure against water, reconstructing missing fragments and refreshing the plaster and decorations. The result? Impressive. The renovated façade has not only regained its former splendour, but has also ensured the building’s safety and security for decades to come. 15 Lwowska Street once again attracts the eye and reminds us that Warsaw hides real architectural pearls.
Source: Warsaw City Hall
Read also: Architecture | Tenement | City | Warsaw | Architecture in Poland
