[size=2][size=2][size=2]Northhampton, MA[/size] - [size=2]Old main, the cornerstone building of the former Northhamton [/size][size=2][size=2]Hospital[/size][/size][/size][font=Arial][font=Verdana][size=2] could come tumbling down as early as February now that bids are in place for its demolition.[/size][/font] [/font][/size]

[size=2][size=2][font=Verdana][size=2]According to Janet Hookailo, a spokeswoman for Mass Development,[/size] [size=2]the quasi-public agency chosen to build The Village at Hospital Hill on[/size] [size=2]the site, nine bids for the demolition work were opened last Friday,[/size] [size=2]with the low bidder, S&R Corporation of [/size][/font][/size][size=2][font=Verdana]Lowell[/font][/size][font=Verdana][size=2], coming in at $5.4 million. The bids ranged as high as $7.6 million, she said.[/size] [/font][/size]

[font=Verdana][size=2]In addition to Old Main, the demolition work will include several out-buildings, including a piggery and a bowling alley that belonged to the former hospital. [/size][/font]

[font=Verdana][size=2]The winning contractor will be required to save the stained glass windows inside Old Main and the fountain in front of it, Hookailo said. The state Legislature must appropriate the money for the demolition in order for the work to go forward. [/size][/font]

[font=Verdana][size=2]A group called Save Old Main advocated preserving the 1856 structure, both as a testament to the hospital and as a viable commercial space. In a 2003 ballot question, however, voters rejected a request to raise money for minimal repairs to the building's roof. Consultants have said that the cost of rehabilitating Old Main would be prohibitive. [/size][/font]

[font=Verdana][size=2]Hookailo said the bids will undergo a review that includes reference checks. She expects a recommendation to be made to Mass Development's board of directors sometime next month. [/size][/font]

[font=Verdana][size=2]If the funding comes through, blasting could begin by February, she said. Eventually, mixed use housing will stand at the site of Old Main. The Village at Hospital Hill will comprise than 200 new residential units and more than 500,000 square feet of new commercial and industrial space.[/size] [/font]