The first historic chronicles about the location are dated to in the middle of the 18th century, when elector Friedrich III. was planning the expansion of the city of Berlin.
In 1821 the building was bought by the pharmacist Luis von Gusnar and was extended into the three-storie commercial/residential building, that we see today.

From 1961 until the fall of the Berlin wall, parts of the building were used by the American NSA – National Security Agency for intelligence services. Extensive surviellance was installed. Checkpoint Charlie became the most important border crossing for diplomats, between the eastern and the western part of Germany.

On the 1st of May 2009 the ice cream – and waffle shop „kalter Krieg – Eis und heiße Ware“ opened, which fits perfectly, if not ironically into the historical context of the location and beautiful, baroque style, landmark building.