The mansion at number 44 on Pyatnitskaya Street was built in the late 18th century and has changed many owners throughout its history. One of them was Brashnin Nikita Sergeyevich, a hereditary honorary citizen.

In the 1920s, one of the battalions of special purpose units (CHON) was located here, which were created starting in 1919 to fight against counter-revolution and suppress discontent. These "communist squads" and "military-party detachments" were organized during a difficult time for the country at factory party cells, as well as district, city, and provincial party committees. Their task was to support the Soviet authorities in the fight against counter-revolution, protect important facilities, and patrol. Among the members of CHON were well-known figures such as Molotov, Kaganovich, and Abakumov. In 1924-25, the activities of CHON were ceased, and they were disbanded by the decision of the Central Committee of the VKP(b) due to the improvement of the situation in the country and the strengthening of the Red Army.

The neighboring house number 46, which was once almost a twin of house number 44, now looks different due to reconstruction. In 1997, the old building was demolished and replaced with a new structure, increased in height by one and a half times. Previously, this house belonged to the Samgin merchants, owners of a well-known bell factory and drinking establishments. In the late 19th century, they sold it to merchant Popova, the widow of tea trader V.I. Popov, who also owned house number 47 on the opposite side of the street. Before World War I, both houses were purchased by the Vanetsov brothers.

House number 46 was described by A.P. Chekhov in the story "Three Years" as a "prison on Pyatnitskaya," where "there is no future." In the early 20th century, the famous film director Yakov Protazanov lived here.