The construction was completed by the beginning of the First World War by student architect Vladimir Upatchev. The architect built this house for himself, so that he could rent it out later. But in 1916, the monument of eclecticism got a new owner — merchant Dmitry Rubinstein. Interestingly, at that time he tried to approach the royal family through friendship with Rasputin. However, in the same year, Rubinstein was arrested for high treason related to counterfeit bills.

The plain walls, decorated with stucco molding, survived a strong fire two years ago. There is no intercom on the door, so anyone can go inside without hindrance. The staircase, apparently, is a place of constant pilgrimage for vandals who do not miss the moment to leave their autograph. The elevator is still in operation, but with the last of its strength: one of its doors risks falling off. Almost none of the tenants of the house uses it, even the author of this text did not dare to try his luck.

12-liniya V.O. str., 13

You can read about other elevators in St. Petersburg at the beginning of the 20th century by clicking on [link] (http://kudago.com/spb/news/neobichnye-lifti/).