The Merchant Markelov's house in Vyborg, which has survived to this day, was built in the early 20th century. It was designed by architect Karl Allan (Valdemar) Shulman at the request of the founder of a wealthy merchant family, Demyan Markelov. He was born in the Tver province and came from serf peasants. In the 1860s, Markelov achieved success in food trade and moved to Vyborg.

The mansion was constructed from 1903 to 1904. This magnificent five-story apartment building, located in the old market area, is executed in the style of Finnish national romanticism and became one of Shulman's most successful works.

Markelov spared no expense on decorating his house. The naturalistic decor of the facades, depicting the flora and fauna of Karelia, particularly attracts attention, with especially noticeable sculptures of bears, which are considered a symbol of the region.

The Markelov family owned this exquisite mansion until 1929, when their affairs went poorly, and the house passed into the ownership of the large company 'Torkkeli.'

Under Soviet rule, the building deteriorated and was in a deplorable state. After the war, it lost its high roof and the pointed domes of the bay windows. Unfortunately, during the major restoration in 2018, these elements were not restored. Nevertheless, the Markelov mansion remains a significant adornment of the historical center of Vyborg.