Russell A. Alger, Jr. (1873-1930), son of Michigan Governor Russell Alger, built this Italian Renaissance style mansion in 1910. One of the founders of the Packard Motor Car Company, Alger had this elaborate structure designed by Charles A. Platt of New York, with grounds landscaped by Ellen Shipman of New York. Situated on Lake St. Clair and known as "The Moorings," the home remained Alger's residence until his death in 1930. From 1936 to 1948, the house served as a branch museum of the Detroit Institute of Arts. In 1949 it was deeded to the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Association in memory of those who served and died in the nation's wars and to support the educational, cultural, and civic needs of the community.