Originally designed by Wirt C. Rowland, the structure was built in two distinct phases: construction started in 1928 but was soon halted by the Great Depression, and the building was left open to the elements for two decades before being finally completed in 1953.

[1] The building was originally constructed to serve as the clubhouse for the Detroit chapter of the National Town and Country Club.

[2] Construction began in September 1928, but came abruptly to an end with the advent of the Great Depression: the Pontchartrain Club closed down and the building was left unfinished, with only the exterior walls and roof completed.

The $5 million, 18-month renovation, completed in spring 2016, included the installation of new heating and cooling systems, updated windows, and new kitchens and flooring in the residences.

Much of the elaborate stone decoration was removed, and the tall and narrow windows were replaced with wider openings; original features survive on the upper floors, most notably on the central tower.