The emergence of this building revealed significant contradictions in the architecture of the time and sparked fierce debates among architects. Since 1932, the classical direction in architecture became increasingly prominent. Zholtovsky's project contrasted classical architecture with avant-garde architecture. The House on Mokhovaya divided the architectural community. According to A. Shchusev's recollections, Zholtovsky said: "I stand with classicism on Mokhovaya, and if I fail, I will fail the principles of classicism." During the discussions, the house was dubbed "the nail in the coffin of constructivism," but even opponents acknowledged Zholtovsky's mastery. The completed house became an important argument in the creative discussion, more so than many theoretical justifications, and marked the beginning of a new stage in Soviet architecture.

Zholtovsky, an expert in Renaissance architecture and a supporter of A. Palladio's ideas, based his design on the Loggia del Capitaniato in Vicenza. The composition of the facade is executed in a large composite order, located in the building's risalit. The facade is set back from the red line, lowering the basement part. The structure's foundation is a seven-story reinforced concrete frame with rhythmically arranged wide window openings. Zholtovsky solved the complex task of combining the uniform grid of the seven-story building with the divisions of the prototype by lowering the window sills almost to the floor and tinting the glazing in places where the ceilings are visible.

The protruding cornice serves as the base for the balcony of the seventh floor, extending to the side wings of the facade. The house is clad in artificial stone of a yellow hue. The details were excellently conceived, but not everything could be realized. The building was to be completed with bas-reliefs and sculptures (by V. Mukhina, I. Shadr, and others).

The house included a variety of apartments: from one to five rooms. The upper floors housed two-level apartments, each with a room for staff. Zholtovsky carefully designed the interiors, including door handles and window bolts. The main decorative elements, cornices, moldings, and doors, were strikingly different from ordinary samples, as they were handmade. The high quality of construction and finishing work was ensured by Ivan Vladislavovich's personal presence at all stages of construction.

The building was constructed for the needs of the Moscow City Council, and the apartments were already being allocated, but in 1933, after diplomatic relations were established with the USA, the house was handed over to the American Embassy. Since the late 1950s, it has been occupied by the "Intourist" agency.