LEM station

ABOUT THE PROJECT

LEM station FOOD MARKET is part of a large public space LEM station, offering visitors a wide range of services and opportunities. It features an event hall for hosting various events, a coworking space for working in a pleasant atmosphere and engaging environment, as well as a beautifully landscaped area for walking and relaxation. Additionally, there is a large parking lot for guests' convenience.
Lviv has long needed an exciting space and Food Market where people can enjoy their time and find a diverse selection of food vendors catering to every taste.
So, congratulations to the residents of Lviv and visitors to the city on the opening!

LOCATION

FOOD MARKET is located in the middle (of three) depot hangars at 57 Dmytro Vitovskyi Street.
This location is just a 20-minute walk from the bustling Rynok Square (the very heart of Lviv). It provides a great space for local residents and visitors to spend quality time.

A Brief History of the Tram Depot

(Source of historical photos)

The Beginnings (1894)

The depot and Lviv's first power plant were built in 1894 to a design by architect Alfred Kamienobrodzki, alongside the launch of the electric tram system in Lviv.

The construction of the tracks, depot, and power station was carried out by the world-renowned Siemens Brothers company. The construction was headed by Józef Tomicki, originally from Bila Tserkva, who studied and worked in European cities. Located on the same site, this power plant was one of the first in Lviv and supplied power to the entire tram fleet.

In 1894, regular service for Ukraine's second and Austria-Hungary's fourth electric tram system was launched in Lviv. Lviv became the second city in modern Ukraine where residents could use this technological advancement (the first electric tram appeared in Kyiv in 1892). This marked a significant milestone in the development of urban infrastructure and served as a symbol of the city's industrial progress at the turn of the century. The introduction of the tram system gave a powerful boost to Lviv's urban culture.

Expansion

In 1905–1906, the complex was expanded, likely following a project by Michał Lużecki. Later, in 1926–1927, the architect's son, Adolf Kamienobrodzki, executed another reconstruction. A new shed, administrative building, and perimeter fencing were constructed. These works expanded the depot's capacity and improved its functionality.

(Source of historical photos)

Architectural Status:

This is the oldest tram depot in Ukraine. Although not formally listed as a protected architectural monument, the complex holds significant historical and industrial value as an example of late 19th-century Austro-Hungarian industrial architecture.

DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION

A historical building demands the utmost respect for its character.
We aimed to preserve the authentic antique texture of the space and every possible detail and architectural element. Every design decision was made taking into account the need to preserve the depot's original identity.

To optimize the spatial organization, the height of the hall was divided into minimal structural levels. This made it possible to create an additional cozy area on the mezzanine along one side of the hangar at Level 2, as well as additional transverse balcony zones at Level 2.5, providing extra space without compromising the integrity of the original structure.

All food vendors are situated under the longitudinal mezzanine. The rest of the venue maintains vertical openness up to the roof structure. This solution preserved the original roof skylight slopes, allowing natural light to flood the interior, maintaining an airy feel, and letting guests experience the scale of the historical building. Natural lighting creates an atmosphere of lightness and openness.

The layering of diverse design styles from each food operator against the backdrop of the historic building offers a variety of culinary choices and creates a vibrant environment for visitors. Each vendor has the opportunity to express their own identity through the design of their space. This synthesis of old and new forms a unique atmosphere.

Located at the center of the space is a bar designed in the style of an old Austrian railway, serving as a focal point that ties into the depot's historical theme. This element acts as the central anchor of the spatial composition and an organic part of the overall artistic concept. Its design harmoniously blends with the Siemens-era architecture, serving as a semantic bridge between the industrial past and contemporary leisure.

WORK PROCESSES

Photos of what this location used to be and how the transformation took place document every stage of the process — from the depot's initial condition to the finished Food Market. They showcase the complexity and thoroughness of preserving a historical building while adapting it to modern functionality. Every detail was carefully considered to achieve a balance between heritage and utility.

We express our gratitude to the investors for their trust and to all involved participants for their collaboration!
Through joint effort during extremely challenging times for the country, we succeeded in creating a remarkable, revitalized modern space for local residents and city guests.