In Zamoskvorechye, there are numerous cozy and quiet alleys that preserve the atmosphere of old Moscow. One such alley, Staromonetny, is named after the state mint that operated here during Peter I's reign from 1701 to 1736. Until the end of the 19th century, the alley was called Denegny.

This alley features several intimate manor houses. One of them, number 22, is known as the "Chizhovs' City Manor." This house reflects the architecture of Moscow after the 1812 fire and is a vivid example of Moscow Empire style due to its intimacy and coziness.

The composition of the manor was formed between 1831 and 1836. The main house and other buildings are arranged unusually: they do not face the alley with their main facade but are positioned across the building line. This creates a space enclosed by a third building, forming an inner courtyard, or kurdoner. It is accessed through gates with two Empire-style gates in the shape of pilasters and wooden doors.

On the facades of the buildings, one can see Empire-style bas-reliefs in the form of medallions, masks, torches, crossed cornucopias, and six-pointed stars, characteristic of that time.

The main house is particularly expressive, clearly displaying features of late classicism and Empire style. The symmetry of the facade, the portico with Ionic columns, windows without trim with wedge-shaped tops, a semicircular window in the pediment, and stucco decor between the pilasters emphasize its style.

The entrance to the house is framed by two doors with preserved wrought-iron canopies of classical form. It is possible that the two entrances are related to the fact that the house had two owners, the merchant wives Afimya and Irina Chizhov.

The name of the architect has not survived, but it can be assumed that the house was built according to a standard design for mansions developed for the rapid reconstruction of Moscow after the 1812 fire. The architecture of the house shows some differences from the style of that time, such as the absence of classical rustication on the first floor. The third floor was likely added later, as such houses typically had a mezzanine the width of the portico. These changes may have been necessitated at a later time. The house was used for residential purposes, including during the Soviet period, and later housed various organizations. Since the late 1970s, the buildings have belonged to the Russian Academy of Sciences, as confirmed by the memorial plaques on the facades.

In the 2000s, the facades of the buildings were restored to return them to their historical appearance. The site is a monument of federal significance.