In 1780, Count R.I. Vorontsov, the governor of the Tambov province, chose a site between the city wall and the monastery for the construction of the main seminary building. However, the location turned out to be too cramped, and in 1782, a block was allocated for construction between the Protection Church and the archbishop's residence.

The main two-story building was laid according to the design of architect V.A. Usachev on the high bank of the Tsna River on May 30, 1785. The construction was delayed, and in 1788, three classes of the seminary, the theological, philosophical, and rhetorical, were moved into the unfinished building by a decree from the Synod. That same year, Bishop Theophilus of Tambov and Shatsk took on the responsibility for the construction and arrangement of the seminary. The main building was finally completed in 1798, after which preparations began for the construction of stone wings. The first wing for students, the dining hall, and the bakery was completed in 1800.

The second wing, intended for teachers, was laid in 1800 and completed in 1805. On the northern side of the seminary estate was the hospital wing, and symmetrically to it, on the southern fence, were built a cellar, an icehouse, and a bathhouse. After the fire of 1805, which destroyed part of the wooden fence, the construction of a stone fence began, completed in 1807.

In 1822, a new hospital building with a stone foundation appeared on the estate. At that time, the seminary buildings were overloaded with district and parish schools, and there was a lack of space for teachers. The construction of a new building began in 1823 and was completed in 1825, and in 1826, the building was plastered and fully finished.

According to S.A. Bereznegovsky, during the construction of the building, the plan and facade were changed. A mezzanine was added over the two floors, columns were installed on the square side to support the porch, and pilasters appeared on the seminary courtyard side. By the mid-19th century, the territory of the seminary also included stables, a carriage shed, and granaries for storing grain.

In 1847, the first school church was opened in the assembly hall of the main building, consecrated by Bishop Nicholas of Tambov and Shatsk in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The church was adorned with an iconostasis and icons made against a gold background in the Greek style. The "Last Supper" was depicted above the royal doors, and the windows were glazed with Bohemian glass. A crystal chandelier, roofing, and ceilings were purchased for the church.

Throughout the 19th century, the building was repeatedly expanded and reconstructed, and only by the end of the century did it take on its modern appearance.