The complex of the Khamovniki barracks, built in stages, occupies a significant area on both sides of Komsomolsky Avenue, between Kholzunov Lane and Kseninsky Lane. In the past, this area, due to its hills, was called Bolshie Kochki.

Until the end of the 18th century, troops stationed in Moscow were housed in private homes. Wealthy owners built separate buildings for military accommodation, while less affluent ones endured the prolonged presence of soldiers in their homes. Emperor Paul decided to relieve residents of this burden and ordered the construction of barracks for the military. For this, homeowners began to pay an additional tax for construction. As a result, barracks appeared in Moscow: the Pokrovsky near the Pokrovsky Gates, the Krasnye in Lefortovo, and the Khamovniki near the Khamovniki parade ground, where drill exercises were conducted.

The construction of the Khamovniki barracks began in 1807, designed by L.I. Ruska, on the territory of the Khamovniki linen factory of I.P. Tames. The factory was founded by Peter I in the early 18th century on the site of the Lopukhin estate, which was rich in weavers. In 1718, Peter transferred the factory to Ivan Pavlovich Tames, granting it various privileges. The Tames factory remained the largest enterprise in Moscow for a long time. In 1775, Tames had 259 looms and 283 workers, while the Goncharov factory at the Yauza Gates had only 10 looms and 9 workers. In 1802, the Tames production went bankrupt and was sold to the state.

The barracks complex, built in 1809 under the guidance of M.M. Kazakov and I.T. Tamansky, included a parade ground, residential buildings, a stable, services, a detention house, a guardhouse, and an officers' house (the Chief's House).

The fire tower of the Khamovniki police house became part of the ensemble of the Khamovniki barracks. Built in 1813 for the fire service on the site of the stables and services, it was rebuilt twice. In the first half of the 20th century, the upper wooden part of the building was lost.

Repair and restoration work was carried out from 2011 to 2014. First, the stone foundation of the tower was restored, the foundations were strengthened, and the white stone plinth and facade details were renovated. The brickwork of the walls, vaults, lintels, and window openings with intricate fillings were restored. The ceilings between the tiers of the square and octagonal sections were replaced. A wooden tent was recreated. An octagonal booth with a dome and a complex spire with an ornate finish were installed on the platform. The tent, observation deck, booth roof, and spire were covered with copper. As a result, the tower building regained its original appearance. It now houses office space.

In 2014, the tower became a laureate of the Moscow Government competition for the best project in the field of preservation and popularization of cultural heritage sites "Moscow Restoration" in the nomination "For high quality of repair and restoration work."