On 20th April 1870, Bruneck’s municipal council committee dealt for the first time with the founding of a society to improve the town and its surroundings. Ten days later the first meeting of the Bruneck Town Improvement Society (Brunecker Stadtverschönerungsverein) took place. In 1 May the members confirmed the originator of the improvement society, Johann Georg Mahl, as the society’s chairman. His deputy was the mayor, Johann von Zieglauer. The aim of the society was to “create and maintain municipal facilities”.

The chronicle written by the society’s chairman, Johann Georg Mahl, between 1870 and 1882 is an important historical document. It provides an insight into the membership structure, the timing of the works and the society’s accounting during this period. Mahl proudly noted in his final entry on 2 April 1882: “Finally, it should be mentioned that among the summer visitors, the works of the society have been met with great appreciation, and that in all recent travel guides and all travel reports and descriptions […] Bruneck is particularly highlighted for its amenities, promenades and hostelries. This is and must be an incentive to the society to continue its works and activities for the honour, wellbeing and comfort of Bruneck’s residents.”