In pre-revolutionary Rostov-on-Don, known for its merchant past, there were many income houses. The Bolsheviks closed them, but many buildings have survived to this day. One such architectural monument is the former income house of the Sariyevs, built in the Art Nouveau style in the early 20th century. The building was designed by architect Niedermeyer, and it was owned by sisters Olga and Elena Sariyeva. Later, they sold the house to merchant Emelyanov, and his name is also associated with this building, which is sometimes referred to as Emelyanov's income house.

The multi-story building is executed in the style of late Art Nouveau and features stone plaster details: rustication of granite pilasters, powerful base belts, decorative window locks on the first and upper floors. A distinctive feature of the building is the progressive combination of structural schemes popular in the early 20th century.

With the arrival of Soviet power, the house was confiscated from the owner. For a long time, it housed the Maxim Gorky Library, while the upper floors were rented out as apartments. The first floor saw many establishments change, but the most famous became the café 'Shokoladnitsa', under which name the building was known in Rostov for many years.

Currently, the building is in a state of emergency and was evacuated several years ago. Decades of neglect have left the facade covered in cracks, historical wrought iron has disappeared, and the marble steps have deteriorated. In 2015, an antique staircase and elevator were stolen from the building, and their whereabouts remain unknown. In 2016, restoration of the building was announced, but it has yet to be realized.