Penn State’s Alpha Zeta fraternity will have a new home for the 2026-27 academic year after a fire heavily damaged its historic chapter house last month.

The fraternity reached an agreement to temporarily move into the vacant Delta Chi house on East Fairmount Avenue for the fall and spring semesters, according to the Centre Daily Times.

The move will allow Alpha Zeta members to continue living together while repairs are made to the fraternity’s house at 360 N. Burrowes Street. The chapter expects to return to its original home by the fall 2027 semester.

The July 9 fire damaged the third floor and attic of Alpha Zeta’s century-old house and caused water damage throughout the building. The house was vacant and undergoing construction when workers reported the attic fire.

The Centre Region Fire Marshal determined the fire was unintentional, and no injuries were reported.

With the chapter house unavailable, keeping members together was a priority for Alpha Zeta rather than having them split between apartments and other off-campus housing.

The temporary move is possible because the Delta Chi house became vacant after Penn State suspended the fraternity for four years in April after hazing violations.

Alpha Zeta members are expected to move into the East Fairmount Avenue house during the week before the fall semester begins on August 24.

About 15 Alpha Zeta members currently plan to live in the temporary house, though that number could grow as additional members consider leaving existing leases.

The temporary arrangement will come with higher costs. The Delta Chi house is larger and more expensive than Alpha Zeta’s previous home, meaning members will pay more in rent during the upcoming academic year.

Alpha Zeta launched a GoFundMe after the fire to help cover increased rent and relocation expenses. The fundraiser has raised just under $15,000 and is expected to remain active through move-in week or the beginning of the fall semester.

The relocation could also impact Alpha Zeta’s recruitment efforts.

The fraternity’s N. Burrowes Street house has traditionally served as a familiar location for prospective members during recruitment, while the temporary house is located further downtown.

After the fire, Alpha Zeta members and alumni returned to the damaged house to recover memorabilia, composites, and other materials.