More than one aspect of the fraternity system can be described as fragile.

As university and borough officials crack down on behavior problems within the fraternity system, another State College commission is focusing on the historical and structural health of fraternity houses in the community.

State College Historic Resources Commission members are concerned that the historical integrity of some fraternity houses is being threatened by a lack of maintenance, commission member Kenneth Gray said.

"We didn't want to see them torn down," he said.

Commission member Richard Virgil also voiced concerns over the structural fragility of some of the houses.

Ideas such as fraternity walking tours, brochures and house history projects have recently been discussed by the commission as ways of promoting the architectural and historical value of the fraternities.

Kevin Kerr, director of fraternity and sorority life, spoke to the commission last night about the university's efforts to re-establish a relationship between the community and its greek members.

A culture of litigation that began 20 years ago gave Penn State a reason to distance itself from fraternities, which has had a negative effect on fraternity properties, Kerr said.

"There's no benefit for keeping greek institutions at arm's length," he said.

In some cases, fraternity houses have devolved into "gathering shacks," as opposed to well-maintained, historical structures, Kerr said.

Commission member Caitlin Osborne said some of the behavior problems could be solved if fraternity members gain an appreciation for the legacy of the houses.

Kerr also mentioned the borough's update of the property maintenance code Monday as another way officials are encouraging fraternity houses to act as more than social-gathering places.

The new point system should only affect five or six houses, he said.

As far as the commission's plans to work with fraternity members, Kerr said cooperation is unlikely until some minimum standards are established and members are in a new "frame of mind."

The recent distance between community and fraternity members could cause difficulties for commission members for at least another year.

"They're very suspicious of people trying to come into their house," Kerr said.