House No. 42 on Pyatnitskaya Street is a characteristic urban mansion. Its facade is symmetrical, with a low basement and a high grand second floor. It was built in the mid-19th century, possibly by the architect Fyodor Fyodorovich Richter. If his authorship is confirmed, it will be a rare example of a private house created according to his design.

At the time the house was built, the architecture of classicism had already lost popularity in private construction. Society sought more romantic and free forms, unbound by classical canons. This house is an example of a transitional style. The architect still adheres to classical principles: the building is symmetrical, with three tall windows in the center of the facade, the second floor is the main one, and the first is treated as a pedestal with a base under the grand floor. However, the corners of the house and the central risalit are decorated with massive pilasters, which are lightened by narrow high panels. The central windows are united by three arches on fluted pilasters. The inter-floor cornice is massive, but the crowning cornice is light, with a large overhang that creates shade on the facade. Above the cornice is a small attic between two pedestals, and on its sides, light grilles, which were impossible in the classical era. The height of the second floor is exaggerated, with a large empty field left above the windows, emphasized by the shadow of the cornice.

Fyodor Fyodorovich Richter is known as the founder of scientific architectural restoration in Russia. His work on the restoration of the Romanov boyars' chambers on Varvarka became a classic example studied and emulated by generations of Russian restorers.