Alexander Alexandrovich Porokhovshchikov (1833, 1918) was an outstanding Russian entrepreneur, builder, publicist, publisher, philanthropist, and public figure.

This man, without exaggeration, was a century ahead of his time. Thanks to his efforts, Moscow transformed, becoming brighter and more colorful. Under his leadership, luxurious hotels, restaurants, and shopping arcades were built, as well as the reconstruction of historical and cultural sites in the Kremlin and Kitai-gorod. During this period, he constructed the hotel complex "Slavyansky Bazar" and, as part of the idea of Slavic brotherhood, commissioned Ilya Repin to paint "Assembly of Russian, Polish, and Czech Composers." The grand opening of "Slavyansky Bazar" took place on May 10, 1872. Among the presented objects was the concert hall "Russian Chamber," designed in a national style, and in the large hall hung Repin's painting "Slavic Composers." Porokhovshchikov dreamed of making Moscow one of the best cities in the world, paying attention to the comfort of its residents. In the newspaper "Russian Listok," he said: "I envision future Moscow as the greatest and most beautiful city in the world. My project involves settling the outskirts of Moscow. Imagine Petrovsky Park, Vorobyovy Gory, Sokolniki, Butyrki, built up with 5-story buildings ranging from 50 to 100 fathoms long. In the basements, there will be markets with cellars and icehouses. From the central point of this market, I will run a telephone to every apartment and house in the area. The telephone will become the main element of my project, providing conveniences and reducing the cost of living." Porokhovshchikov was a great admirer of Russian culture. A wooden house with carved window frames and a light room was built for him. The house project won an award at the World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873.