Grosse Pointe Farms in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Russell A. Alger House "The Moorings"

Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 15, 2017

1. Russell A. Alger House "The Moorings" Marker

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

Erected 1983 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number S548.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.

Location. 42° 23.223′ N, 82° 53.871′ W. Marker is in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, in Wayne County.

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It can be reached from the intersection of Lake Shore Road and Elm Court. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 32 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe MI 48236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan

and in Greater Detroit.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Grosse Pointe Memorial Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grosse Pointe High School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Martin Luther King Jr. In Grosse Pointe (approx. 0.4 miles away); Saint Paul Catholic Church / Saint Paul Rectory and Parish House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Saint Paul Catholic School and Convent (approx. 0.6 miles away); Grosse Pointe Academy (approx. 0.7 miles away); Pere Gabriel Richard Elementary School (approx. 0.7 miles

Russell A. Alger House "The Moorings" and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 15, 2017

2. Russell A. Alger House "The Moorings" and Marker

away); Lewis E. Maire Elementary School (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grosse Pointe Farms.

Also see . . . The Russell A. Alger, Jr. House. The Russell A. Alger, Jr. House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. From the Nomination Form:

The Russell A. Alger, Jr., House is significant as a major work of the nationally prominent architect, Charles Adam Platt of New York. Though Platt, renowned for his design of large country estates, designed a series of estates in the Grosse Pointe area, this is considered his most important commission. Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, the Alger House displays Platt's ability to integrate the house with its setting and gardens. The estate was the home of Russell A. Alger, Jr., the millionaire son of General Russell A. Alger, a Civil War hero, Detroit lumberman, Michigan Governor, U.S. Senator, and President McKinley's Secretary of War. Russell A. Alger, Jr. was one of the founders of the Packard Motor Car Company in 1903, and served as its vice president for many years. The junior Alger had the house built in 1910 and
Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 15, 2017

3. Russell A. Alger House "The Moorings"
resided there until his death on January 26, 1930. In 1949 the Alger family donated the estate to the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Fund, now the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Association, for use as a community cultural center.

(Submitted on July 17, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,210 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.