Even though most of the structures built along the Ringstrasse were public constructions, such as the parliament and the university, several of the new buildings were built with private funds. These were created for the bourgeoisie, including numerous affluent Jewish families, who had purchased the land from the city. With the proceeds of these sales, various new parks and other public structures on the Ringstrasse were built.

Artist Unknown
House of Parliament, Vienna
Photochrome, between 1890 and 1900

In 1873, Vienna's Parliament building was built in the Greek classical style to reflect the democratic underpinnings of the new government. A statue of Athena was placed in front of the building, facing the street, not the Parliament, however, further shifting the focus on the Ringstrasse.