January 20, 2010 > Saving Winsor tank house Saving Winsor tank house By Dustin Findley Winsor Blacksmith Shop, according to an old list of designated cultural resources, was located at 112 N. Main Street. The Winsor family settled in Milpitas in 1863. The blacksmith shop was built by brothers Tom and George Winsor. Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Commission (PRCRC) Chair Steve Munzel informed the commission that, while taking photos for historical records, he had discovered the blacksmith shop was actually three buildings that had been merged together at some point. The tank house was at the rear of the smithy but moved to its current location, south of the library, to make way for the library's construction. It is the only surviving building from the forge. The PRCRC initiated the process of adding Winsor tank house to the list of designated cultural resources. "This commission has not proposed one designated cultural resource since it was formed in 1993. So, this is our first one," said Munzel. The objectives are to save the structure from demolition by designating it as a cultural resource, then to maintain it. Sports Center Supervisor Aaron Bueno, staff liaison for the commission, researched the City ordinance regarding cultural resources and presented information to the commission. To read the City Municipal Code visit http://library.municode.com and click on Milpitas. At the next PRCRC meeting, there will be a public hearing for the plans to protect Winsor tank house, discussion of the form of the commission's letter of proposal, approval of the proposals and referral to the Planning Commission. The latter will review and forward any recommendation to City Council. According to Munzel, the tank house's interior is composed of massive redwood beams that will not rot quickly. The roof needs to be made water-tight, before too much water damage occurs. Public Works Director Greg Armendariz suggested accepting donations and volunteers to help maintain the tank house. Parks commission meeting Monday, February 1 7 p.m. City Hall Committee room 455 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas (408) 586-3000