The Lynes Blacksmith Shop in Kenilworth has been given a vote of confidence by Wellington North.
Several members of council say they are amazed after visiting the shop and CAO Mike Givens called the shop "fantastic."
The blacksmith shop lay untouched for 65 years before it was donated to the community by the Lynes family.
Building Committee Chair Kate Rowley of the Mount Forest Museum and Archives told council Wellington North council that her group is delighted with the response to a recent open house, the first ever for the historic blacksmith shop.
Of the 340 people who visited, one-third came from outside the municipality.
Rowley figures restoration work will begin in ernest in the spring.