Stabu Iela 16 is a property built by the Swedish dynasty Appeltofft. It all started when one of the families of Appeltoffts heirs was not interested in continuing the family's long and very successful tradition of brewing beer (Appeltofftska breweries).

Appeltofft's family erected a number of further properties both in Riga and in other parts of Latvia. Then, when World War II broke out, part of the assets were seized by both - the German army and afterwards Soviets nationalised it.

The founder's children and grandchildren were all Swedish citizens and expatriates who went back to Sweden at the end of World War II. At the beginning of Latvia's independence family made a decision to get back the family assets.