Construction of the three-storey building in the Neo-Gothic style began in 1881 on a plot with a fruit garden facing the street. The project was initiated by Justice of the Peace I. Matsniev.

From 1882, and for the next 26 years, the property belonged to the Méranville de Saint-Clair family, after which it was acquired by E. Kaftal, who commissioned a major reconstruction in 1909. The redesign was executed by architect O. Feokrytov, who also resided in the building. During this reconstruction, two additional upper floors were added, and the façades were remodeled in the Art Nouveau style.

The building thus embodies a unique synthesis of Neo-Gothic origins and early 20th-century Art Nouveau aesthetics, reflecting the architectural evolution of Kyiv’s historic center at the turn of the century.