Known as "Ukraine's first skyscraper" and Europe's tallest building before 1925 in terms of roof height, it was completed in 1912 and destroyed in 1941.

In addition to drawing and painting, lectures were given on the history and philosophy of art.

[2] In April 1918, the French Military mission of the Ukrainian People's Republic, consisting of 6 officers, was housed in this building.

[4] The building was blown up by NKVD troops of the USSR on 24 September 1941, using the scorched earth tactics.

In addition to this building, around 100 houses on Khreshchatyk Street and adjacent streets were blown up (This was done because the Soviet command believed that German soldiers would settle in the centre of Kyiv).