The restaurant 'Strelna' operated year-round, while 'Mauritania', located deep in the block, opened only in summer and autumn. The summer season especially adorned the estate of Natruskin, where exotic plants ordered from southern countries grew. One of the main attractions became the blooming lawn, invented by Natruskin, which bloomed from May to October and was named 'Mauritanian'. Later, its secret was sold to a Moscow firm, Immerov, specializing in seed supply.

Natruskin's estate included more than twenty buildings catering to the diverse tastes of visitors: secluded gazebos of various styles, mysterious grottos, a wooden stage for artists, and a gallery for walks. In the center was a pond with a bathing area, and at the back of the property were chicken coops, cow barns, sheds, and cellars to meet the restaurant's needs.

In 1902, the management of the restaurant passed to I.F. Natruskin's son, Sergey. In 1912, to keep up with competitors, Sergey Ivanovich decided to rebuild 'Mauritania' in stone. However, the onset of World War I and the introduction of Prohibition severely impacted the restaurant business. From November 1, 1914, the sale of alcoholic beverages was allowed only by doctor's prescriptions, and violators faced fines or imprisonment.

The restaurant 'Mauritania' is mentioned in Russian literature, particularly in the novel 'Resurrection' by L.N. Tolstoy and the works of N.S. Leskov.

During the Soviet era, a military airfield appeared at Khodynka Field, and the former 'Mauritania' housed the Military Medical Institute. According to physiologist O.G. Gazenko, the institute was cramped and uncomfortable in 'Mauritania'. Nevertheless, experimental work was actively conducted, and many manuals and guides on aviation medicine were published.

In October 1941, the institute was evacuated from Moscow, and in 1943 it was disbanded. The building of 'Mauritania' was transferred to the S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy. In 1948, the Scientific Research and Testing Institute of Aviation Medicine, known as the 'Seventh Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR', moved in.

According to Gazenko, in 1950, the entrance door to the second floor of 'Mauritania' was fitted with a metal grille and locked at night, which gave rise to rumors of secret experiments. There, dogs were being trained for space flights. In one room stood a metal cone of a rocket, while in another, V.I. Popov and V. Nenakhova were preparing the dogs. The preparation for the launch of the first satellites was conducted on a tight schedule to meet the 40th anniversary of the Great October Revolution.

On November 3, 1957, an artificial Earth satellite was launched with the dog Laika on board, who became the first living being in space. In 2008, a monument to Laika was erected on the institute's grounds.