The formation of regular development in the northern part of Zamoskvorechye, bounded by Bolshaya Polyanka, Bolshaya Yakimanka, and Borodnikov Lane, began in the second half of the 1770s. During this time, significant urban planning works were carried out in Moscow, prompted by several factors. In 1771, the city experienced the "Plague Riot," triggered by an epidemic during the Russo-Turkish War, which can be compared in destruction to the consequences of the Patriotic War of 1812. After the successful conclusion of the Russo-Turkish War and the suppression of Pugachev's uprising, Empress Catherine II approved the first general plan for the development of Moscow in 1774, known as the "Prozhektersky Plan for the Capital City of Moscow." This plan included numerous measures, including the creation of a centralized water supply system, part of which was the Rostokino Aqueduct, but the main focus was on organizing the city's development.

The route of Borodnikov Lane held particular significance for Zamoskvorechye, connecting two ancient streets of the district. These streets began at the southern end of the crossing near the Bolshoi Kamenny Bridge and diverged at the Church of St. Great Martyrs Cosmas and Damian. One of them, Bolshaya Yakimanka, led to Kaluga, while the other, Bolshaya Polyanka, led to Serpukhov. In 1672 and 1689, the building of the Church of St. Gregory of Neocaesarea was renovated opposite the exit of Borodnikov Lane, which likely led to the formation of Polyansky Market opposite the church. This market became an important trading center for the area and remained until the early 1990s.

The Merchant Court complex on Malaya Polyanka began to take shape in the late 1770s as a supplementary facility to Polyansky Market. It included storage, residential, and commercial premises. The complex has a varied character, as evidenced by plans of the area from the late 17th century and the low placement of windows in some parts of the buildings, indicating the presence of elements from the late 17th century.

The main part of the Merchant Court complex on Malaya Yakimanka was built from three-story buildings, which allowed the street's route to be aligned parallel to Bolshaya Polyanka. The restoration of the Merchant Court after the Patriotic War of 1812 is noted in documents, including the first version of the general plan for the restoration of Moscow by engineer I. Geste. The building was significantly reconstructed during the Soviet era. Currently, the complex has been restored and adapted for modern use, including housing a youth hostel.