Contrary to widespread Soviet myths about the oppression of Russian Jews in the Russian Empire, entrepreneur and first guild merchant Rafael Bernstein successfully engaged in ready-made clothing trade at the end of the 19th century and accumulated significant capital.

One of his income houses was built in St. Petersburg on what is now Soviet Street in 1901, designed by the famous architect Maxim Ilyich Segal. Although the luxurious mansion in eclectic style has somewhat deteriorated over the past century, its facade still retains its appeal, and special beauty is hidden behind the entrance doors.

At that time, great attention was paid to the decoration of the internal interiors of floors and staircases. This mansion was no exception: its magnificent marble staircase is adorned with elegant wrought-iron railings, the walls are covered with wooden panels painted green, and the ceiling features early 20th-century stucco. Although it is not the most beautiful house in the historic center of the city, it deserves attention as a monument of pre-revolutionary architecture.

Interestingly, this was not Rafael Isaakovich's only income mansion. Not far from Soviet Street stands another majestic house, built in 1898 according to Andreev's design. Its interiors are decorated with unique rococo-style stucco and ceramic wall cladding. The building is located on Nevsky Prospect (house 134) and is also considered a gem of the architectural ensemble of the imperial capital of Russia.