The building is the former home of the Russell Alger family. Built in 1910, it was called "The Moorings" and is in the Italian Renaissance style. It was designed by architect Charles A. Platt of New York and Mrs. Allen Shipman was the landscape architect. Shortly after Russell Alger's death in 1930, the Moorings was used as a branch of the Detroit Institute of Arts and in 1949 it was donated to the community with a two-fold purpose: to serve as a perpetual memorial to veterans; and also to serve as a continuing center for educational and charitable activities of the Grosse Pointe community. The name became The Grosse Pointe War Memorial Association. The original home, now known as The Alger House, is designated as a state and national historic site. Two additions have expanded the facilities: 1) the Fries Auditorium and Crystal Ballroom were dedicated in 1972, and 2) the Center for Arts and Communications was completed in 1993.