Since the early 60s of the 18th century, one of the largest estates on Znamenka Street belonged to the Apraksins. In 1793 and 1799, General of Cavalry Stepan Stepanovich Apraksin built a large estate complex here in the classical style. The estate suffered significantly from fires twice, including the fire of 1812. After Stepan Apraksin's death in 1827, the estate was inherited by his widow, Ekaterina Vladimirovna, and his son, Vladimir Stepanovich.

In 1832, the Moscow Guardianship Council acquired the estate and established the Alexandrinsky Orphan Institute here. For this purpose, two neighboring courtyards were purchased, and later the institute was given the territory along Gogolevsky Boulevard for a garden. By 1835, the block had become a single estate housing a large educational institution.

In 1850, the institute was transformed into the Alexandrinsky Cadet Corps, which required the construction of two additional buildings. After the military education reform in 1863 and until 1917, the Alexandrov Military School was located here. By 1911, the complex changed with the construction of two new buildings facing Arbat Square, including the house of the school commander with an office and guardhouse.

The house of the school commander is a two-story stone building with the main facade facing Znamenka Street and Arbat Square. It features strict and eclectic decor. The lower floor is decorated with rustication, and fan-shaped locks have been preserved above the window openings. The windows of the second floor are adorned with frames and triangular cornices. The composition is completed by a crowning cornice with stepped attics.

The complex of buildings, where the Alexandrov Military School was located since 1863, has a rich history. Historian Vasily Klyuchevsky taught here, and Alexander Kuprin studied here. Many buildings were reconstructed, but the house of the school commander has retained its original appearance, serving as an example of low-rise state construction from the early 20th century.

After the revolution, the Alexandrov Military School was abolished, and the block came under the jurisdiction of the Revolutionary Military Council. Znamenka Street was renamed Krasnoznamennaya, and in 1925 it became Frunze Street in honor of the Soviet military leader. In 1994, the street was returned to its historical name.