Last week we concluded our series on the three Lochmoor Clubhouses. Each building had a different story to tell. The first clubhouse was completed between 1917-1918, designed by the esteemed duo of William B. Stratton and his partner at the time Dalton J. Snyder.
This week we head to University Place, one of the most prestigious streets in the City of Grosse Pointe. It is home to two properties that were both commissioned by businessman Charles Bagley DuCharme, including 365 University which was also designed by William Stratton and Dalton Snyder.
The DuCharme’s were a well-known family in Detroit. Charles Bagley DuCharme was born in Detroit, in 1883. His father, Charles A. DuCharme, was a wealthy Detroit hardware dealer and former president of the Michigan Stove Company. Having graduated, from the University of Michigan, in 1906, Charles Jr. began working for his father at the Michigan Stove Company. It appears he worked in various departments of the business before taking the position of secretary. In 1911 he married Isabel Bradbeer, and together they had three children: Charles (III), Jerome Croul, and Isabel.
354 University
The first home Charles DuCharme commissioned was 354 University. The 4,570 sq ft 5-bedroom house was completed in 1914. The Colonial Revival style home has a hip roof, an abundance of windows, exquisite brickwork, with two large chimneys on the left-hand side of the home. It was designed by F. Gordon Pickell - Born in Jackson, Mississippi on February 3, 1881, Mr. Pickell graduated from Columbia University then began his architectural career in Philadelphia where he worked for several firms. It is reported he relocated to Detroit around 1910. Color images courtesy of: Katie Doelle.
In 1923, 354 University was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bonbright, a highly regarded auto designer for the Briggs Manufacturing Company. We understand from notes in our files the upkeep on the residence (during the early 1930’s) was high due to the need of having a man to maintain the coal furnace, the coal water heater, and the coal heater in the garage. At the time it was reported the cost of heating the property using coal was close to $300 a year (around $6,800 today). Also required was a gardener for at least 2 full days each week during the summer to maintain the beautiful garden that had been designed by nationally renowned landscape architect by Ruth Bramley Dean in 1928-29. It is understood Mrs. Elizabeth Bonbright had hired Ms. Dean to create the garden. Images courtesy of: Architectural Forum magazine (October 1929).
365 University Place
During the early 1920’s Charles DuCharme commissioned the renowned firm of William B. Stratton, and Dalton V. Snyder to design a larger residence for his growing family. Located just down the road from his existing home, 365 University Place was completed in 1923. 365 University is a classically styled brick built Georgian Colonial. The 6,518 sq ft, three-story residence has a large 18’ x 30’ sq ft living room, an 18’ x 18’ sq ft dining room, along with six main bedrooms, and three smaller bedrooms for maids.
When William Stratton and Dalton Snyder designed 365 University Place the duo was arguably one of the most sort after architectural firms in Metro Detroit. The partnership began around 1915, and together they designed many magnificent homes in Grosse Pointe including: 482 Rivard (1918); 50 Lochmoor Boulevard (1922); 4 Woodland Place (1922); 341 Lakeland (1925); 1 Island Lane (1925); and 15366 Windmill Pointe (1925). It appears Stratton and Snyder went their separate ways around 1925, at which point they would continue with their highly successful careers.
Charles Bagley DuCharme passed in 1940. In 1941, his wife, Isabelle, who was now spending much of her time out of state, listed 365 University for sale for $28,000 (around $640,000 today). By the 1970’s several members of the DuCharme family still called Grosse Pointe home. Charles (III) was living at 178 Lothrop, a superb 1950 ranch, by the prolific modern architect John L. Pottle, while his brother Jerome resided at 21 West Wind Lane.
University Place in the City of Grosse Pointe is filled with many architectural gems, that were created for some of Detroit’s leading businessmen. The former homes of Charles DuCharme are a significant part of the collection of fine homes on this elegant street.
* Photos courtesy of the Higbie Maxon Agney archives unless stated.
** Research, information, and data sources are deemed reliable, but accuracy cannot be fully guaranteed.
*** Content is not generated by AI.
Written by Katie Doelle
Copyright © 2026 Higbie Maxon Agney & Katie Doelle
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