At the beginning of the last century, Russia experienced rapid technological progress, and during this time, the famous Russobalt cars began to be produced. Emperor Nicholas II actively supported the development of science and technology. He was one of the first in the country to become fascinated with photography and automobiles. In 1905, Nicholas acquired his first car, a French vehicle, the "Delaunay-Belleville." Within a year, his collection had grown to seven cars, including two more of this brand, four "Mercedes" cars, and a multi-seater "Benz."

As the collection of cars increased, the need for a special place to store them arose. In 1906, Nicholas II ordered the construction of an imperial garage near the Alexander Palace, his favorite residence. Soon, the first two-story building was completed: the first floor housed workshops and cars, while the second floor accommodated garage staff, solving two problems at once. The garage also opened the first "Imperial Driving School" in the Russian Empire. Thus, Nicholas II not only transitioned from a carriage to a car but also promoted the development of this trend. The emperor's personal driver became an experienced French chauffeur, Adolf Kegress, who soon headed the entire technical service and settled in the second building of the garage complex, built with Nicholas II's funds in 1908.

In 1913, it was decided to build a third building in the form of a large garage-hall that could accommodate up to 40 cars. Interestingly, the first automatic gates and car wash appeared even then. Nothing similar was created in the USSR; it turned out to be easier to destroy. After 1917, the garage was destroyed, but the buildings remained, and now a university is located there.