The Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Culture started a "facade maintenance initiative for the renewal of facade groups in old town centres, which are worth preserving" in 1970. This initiative was to create a wider interest in the preservation of historic buildings and groups of listed buildings. And Rust became involved together with approx. 15 other municipalities in Austria.

The successful preservation of the appearance of the town goes back, however, to the years of 1963 and 1964. Back in those days Rust was already well-known as a tourist resort due to its location near Lake Neusiedl, its fine wines and the magnificent storks nesting in the chimneys of the town. The cultural atmosphere had, however, not really penetrated the consciousness of visitors and holidaymakers at that time.

After many interruptions, the external restoration of the Fischerkirche (Fishermen's Church), which is decorated with opulent frescos, was completed in 1964. In the meantime, individual house owners in Rust had begun to carry out restoration work with a great deal of ambition and time and effort. Understanding and enthusiasm for the correct care and maintenance of the facades and houses grew and soon turned into a personal feeling of prestige for the owners.

The breakthrough was finally made at the municipal council, which at almost the same time decided to adapt the rather run-down town hall into a modern state-of-the-art facilty while maintaining the historic building fabric.

Only two new buildings were constructed in the old part of town in areas where previously only insignificant, one-storey buildings had been standing. The architects responible for designing the facades of these two buildings aspired to integrate them into the historic town centre by using structures and designs customary to the town of Rust - after all, the citizens of Rust had always been anxious not to sacrifice their individual architecture, which has survived over many, many centuries, for a modernistic style, which is completely alien to the town. 

It is assumed that the houses in the old town of Rust were constructed as a consequence of the raising of the "free city" of Rust to a "royal free city" in 1681. Up to the present day approx. 60 properties including both parish churches have been restored and renovated in the old town of Rust.

Both town walls dating back to 1512 and 1614 boasting an overall length of approx. 800 metres and an average height of 4 metres were also renovated.

The overall maintenance measures for the preservation of the old town or the appearance of the town are estimated at being approx. 2.2 to 3 million euros. The amount of private funding, which amounts to approx. 2/3 to 3/4 of the overall costs, is substantial. It is also worth mentioning that almost all house owners belong to the same occupational groups as their ancestors - namely wine-growers and vinters.