Construction of the building began in 1910 based on a design by Karl Müfke in the neoclassical style, which represents a new interpretation of classical architectural forms. By 1913, classes were already being held in the building.

The architectural design of the facade resembles the palatial buildings of St. Petersburg. The facade is divided into three parts by porticos, which gives it monumentality and artistic expressiveness. The paired columns are executed in a strict classical style, but there are also elements of modernism added by recommendation. Müfke used them in such a way that the overall appearance of the building remained unchanged.

The building features an inscription: "Institute of Experimental Medicine." Initially, the university included only a medical faculty. Today, chemists and geologists of SGU study here.

On the facade, one can see an empty heraldic shield, where until 1917 the monogram of Emperor Nicholas II was located, as well as various decorative elements such as lion masks and figures of people. These decorations were commissioned by K.L. Müfke using funds obtained from the sale of barrels cleaned of cement.

A memorial plaque is installed on the building in honor of Professor R.V. Mertslin, an outstanding Soviet chemist, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, and rector of SGU.