Fyodor Osipovich Shekhtel was known for his passion for original house designs, whose projects often resembled ancient Russian terems. It is no surprise that he built a house for his family that raised many questions among those around him: some thought it was a synagogue, while others believed it to be a church.

The construction of Shekhtel's house on Yermolaevsky Lane began in 1896 after the death of his five-year-old son, which prompted the architect to change his residence. Fyodor Osipovich developed a mansion project in a mixed style of neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau. These styles harmoniously combined, transitioning from minimalist medieval towers to more modern architectural elements. The interior of the house was adorned with sculptures and paintings by the architect's friends, including Mikhail Vrubel.

After the construction was completed, the Shekhtel family moved into the new house, which was often visited by notable contemporaries such as Savva Morozov, Mikhail Vrubel, artist Isaac Levitan, and opera singer Leonid Sobinov. Shekhtel was a sociable person, and his home was always open to guests. In 1904, he added a workshop to the house, which attracted even more attention to his residence.

After the establishment of Soviet power, the mansion was confiscated from its owners. Initially, it was inhabited by Narcom Bubnov, and later the building housed the Embassy of Uruguay, which remains there to this day. After the collapse of the USSR, the house underwent restoration and is now open for visits on certain days when meetings and tours are held.