Norwich – The Reid & Hughes building has deteriorated rapidly since inspectors last toured it two years ago: a gaping hole in the roof of the lower portion of the split-level building has caused water damage down to the basement, inspectors said Tuesday.

City building inspectors, a fire marshal, engineers from CLA Engineers Inc. and officials from the Norwich Community Development Corp. inspected the Main Street building Tuesday to prepare cost estimates on immediate repairs needed to stabilize it while city officials seek development proposals.

Along with the hole, the roof of the lower section of the building has broken rafters that have spiked through it. Water damage has rotted the floors, part of the first floor has collapsed, and the basement has a strong mold smell, Assistant Building Official Greg Arpin said.

NCDC Vice President Jason Vincent said it was his first look at the building’s interior. The City Council has asked NCDC to write the request for proposals to seek developers for the long-vacant building and to obtain the repair estimates.

While CLA is prepares the engineering estimates, Arpin plans to contact local contractors to get their assessment of how a temporary repair could be done.

The City Council has asked NCDC for a full report with cost estimates by its Aug. 19 meeting.

c.bessette@theday.com