Norwich to once again market Reid & Hughes building

Norwich — City officials will try one more time to market the long-vacant former Reid & Hughes building for redevelopment, the City Council voted Monday.

The council accepted a recommendation from the committee that studied possible redevelopment of the Reid & Hughes to advertise for development proposals, naming members of that committee as the new planning and development committee for the building. The council authorized the committee to write a request for proposals within the next 60 days and establish a time schedule for receiving and reviewing applications.

The proposals are to be submitted to the City Council within 30 days of receiving them. The council would have the authority to select a developer or reject all proposals.

Several residents offered mixed opinions on whether the city should market the building or demolish it, at an estimated cost of $400,000 to $500,000. Supporters cited the historic architecture and said the building is a key element to downtown. Others, however, said they wouldn’t mind marketing it again but wouldn’t want any city money contributed to the project.

If the city finds a developer and transfers ownership, the building would qualify for grants and loans in the three downtown revitalization programs.