Norwich — The city received two bids Tuesday from engineering firms interested in designing the demolition specifications for the controversial plan to tear down the 1880 Reid & Hughes Building, 193-201 Main St.

The historic split-level former retail store abuts three structures in the urban block, including a small one-story shed attached to the rear of the building and not owned by the city. Demolition plans would have to ensure the safety of all three structures, as well as passing traffic on Main Street.

Silva Engineering of Willimantic submitted the low bid of $12,500, and Weston & Sampson of Rocky Hill submitted a bid of $37,000 to write the demolition specifications.

City purchasing agent William Hathaway said he will review the bids to ensure the firms submitted all necessary information before turning them over to the Public Works Department for a technical review and recommendation.

Despite objections from residents and historical preservation activists, the City Council approved an ordinance authorizing bonding of up to $800,000 to tear down the former Reid & Hughes, citing its deteriorating condition and potential damage it could cause to adjacent buildings.

The Norwich Heritage Trust, which is leading the opposition to the demolition, is circulating a petition that will ask the state Historic Preservation Council to intercede and rule that the city has a viable alternative to the proposed demolition.

The Women's Institute for Housing and Economic Development has proposed a $6 million plan to convert the building into 20 apartments — half to be reserved for formerly homeless veterans. The institute has asked city officials to spend an estimated $300,000 to shore up the building, including patching a partially collapsed roof, to allow time for the group to secure funding for the project.

c.bessette@theday.com