Lodge Information


Ithaca Recognizes the DKE Lodge As Historic Landmark

As many of our alumni are aware, the Ithaca Common Council unanimously voted in 2003 to designate the Gray Stone Castle, home to our organization, as a historic landmark in the city of Ithaca.

An initiative of Ithaca citizens, this designation was in addition to the registration of the lodge on the New York State and National Registers of historic structures, an initiative of our alumni historian, Bill Fogle '70. The historic designation was supported by hundreds of Dekes, Cornellians, and others from across the nation who recognized the historic merit of our home on the Cornell campus, designed by William Henry Miller, Cornell's first graduate architect.

Visit the Lodge

The DKE Chapter House, known as the "Gray Stone Castle," is where our undergraduate brotherhood lives, studies and engages in social activities. Located on the Cornell campus at 13 South Avenue, it is also a Victorian masterpiece to which our brothers and alumni have been dedicating their time and resources to restore the house to its original beauty.

We would like to extend to all a welcome to visit our Lodge, whether visitors, returning alumni, or merely those interested in a remarkable historical site. Our undergraduate brothers would welcome the opportunity to give you a tour and answer questions about the Lodge, its history, and our restoration efforts.

As it is a private home for the brothers, we would only ask that you call in advance to arrange a time for our brothers to give your a tour. The process is simple: merely call the Lodge hotline (607) 275-3353 [DEKE] and leave a message. Our House Alumni Chairman or another member of our Executive Committee will return your call to confirm the date and time of your visit. We want to roll out the welcome mat for you and share with you our rich heritage.

To Halt The Proposed Garage Your Support Is Still Needed

Cornell University still is seeking to build a massive and controversial garage, but is encountering stiff resistance from the Ithaca community and Cornellians.

Last spring, the Ithaca Planning Board voted down a companion parking space adjacent to West Campus, and the university sued the board in the County Supreme Court. While they won that action and the city failed to appeal, the affected citizens have filed their own action to set aside the judgment and uphold the board’s veto. In addition, the Landmark Commission refused to grant the necessary certificate to allow the project to move forward.

We will continue to respectfully oppose this vastly misguided project should the university move forward. At the moment they are keeping the project dormant until they "win" the West Campus parking dispute. It appears that they may still lose. We are undertaking a number of initiatives to clearly demonstrate that the garage project does not comport with New York State law and that other areas close to Collegetown are more appropriate venues for such a massive garage. Return to this page to learn the latest on our initiatives and how you can help by communicating with key University officials.

Check this space often for updated information.

Architect's rendering of the university's proposed garage.