By the end of the 19th century, the Schmidt brothers, known as the "flour kings," became the owners of two significant mills in Saratov, the Big and Small. These structures were not just industrial objects, but true architectural masterpieces of their time. They were designed by the outstanding Saratov architect Alexey Markovich Salko, who used red fire-resistant brick for construction. This provided the buildings with not only aesthetic appeal but also durability, allowing them to last over a century. Experts claimed that such constructions could stand for another five hundred years.

The Small Mill, located at 90 Chernyshevsky Street, has now become home to numerous office spaces. However, the fate of the Big Mill was less fortunate. Built in 1879 on the banks of the Volga, it was located at the beginning of the Kabanovsky (later Shmidsky) wharf, which is now the start of Volskaya Street. An important role in equipping the mill was played by the Saratov branch of the Moscow firm "Anton Erlanger and Co.," which supplied all the necessary machines and equipment for its operation.

After a fire destroyed the mill, Alexey Salko developed a restoration project in 1883, as well as a project for a stone five-story extension for the flour warehouse. The mill continued to function properly for over a hundred years and was recognized as an architectural monument. However, despite this status, it was demolished in 2008. The main reason for this was the value of the land, which could be used for new construction. Many projects were proposed for the site of the Big Mill, but ultimately the idea of developing the area with residential "candles" was realized.

Today, a residential complex called "Jamaica" is rapidly developing on the site of the former mill. This is a vivid example of how historical architectural monuments can give way to modern construction projects, despite their cultural and historical value. Such changes in the urban environment often spark discussions about the need to preserve historical heritage and its integration into modern infrastructure.