After more than two years of discussion and numerous delays, the Dragon senior society will move into a new building next to Delta Gamma sorority this winter.
The College originally planned to actually move the Dragon's physical plant, which is currently located between Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and Gerry Hall. But Director of Facilities Planning Gordie DeWitt said the old two-story building could not be moved.
The new site is "too rocky," he said. "You can't get in the ground to build the bottom story."
With only one story, the new building still has the same square footage as the old one, DeWitt said.
DeWitt said construction of the building has already begun and will be completed by the beginning of Winter term.
The whole project will cost less than $500,000.
The new building will be leased by the Dragon Society, one of two secret, male, senior societies on campus.
When the College proposed last year to relocate the society behind Delta Delta Delta sorority, a local citizen's organization protested vigorously. The new site met with less opposition.
Founded in 1898, the Dragon has remained "secret by preference," according to Spencer Morgan '60, president of the Dragon senior society alumni association.
Morgan said that membership is "not based on anything but good fellowship" and what the society does "may shift from year to year" depending on the goals of the members.
Members of secret societies are selected by the "tapping" system. Outgoing senior class members select juniors who they feel are good candidates for the society.
