Since its completion in 1903, the historic Fred Kraus Mansion has been a distinctive fixture of Milwaukee's lower east side.

Originally built for Fred Kraus, a native German who owned one of Milwaukee's largest turn-of-the-century grain firms, the building's stately appearance and European influence are rooted in German heritage. Eugene Rudolph Liebert, a native of Berlin and prominent architect in Milwaukee, was the designer.

The building remains a valuable example of historical construction in Milwaukee. While many of the other mansions on Prospect Avenue have been removed for larger residential and commercial buildings, this great house survives.

In 1954, the Milwaukee Alano Club became the owner of the property to provide a social gathering place for recovering alcoholics attending 12-step meetings.

Residing at the same location for more than 65 years, the Milwaukee Alano Club, at      1521 N. Prospect Ave., is believed to be the country's longest running social club catering to 12-step fellowship. Through the generosity of its members and volunteers, the club continues to support and serve Milwaukee's recovery community.

In recent years, the Milwaukee Alano Club and its volunteers have worked to revitalize the building's historic nature and presence in the community through renovations, new social programs and activities.