NORWAY – Work on Main Street’s historic Odd Fellows building could begin this winter, according to the president of Western Maine Development.

Brett Doney said Wednesday that the project has been put out to bid. If the right bids are returned, he said, “We hope to move into construction in the winter.”

The building will likely take nine to 12 months to complete, Doney said.

Doney would not comment on what Western Maine Development expects to spend on the renovations, but did say it’s “a substantial renovation.”

All of the systems in the building will be replaced, the building will be made handicapped accessible and there will be an effort to restore the front of the building to the way it appeared when it was constructed in 1894, Doney said.

“We’re also seeking certification as a green building, which means we’d be the first non-institutional green building in Maine,” he said. A green building is constructed with energy-efficient and recycled materials, and takes advantage of resources such as natural light.

The bidding process for the Odd Fellows building was expected to begin in April. Doney did not explain the delay, but said the project has been ongoing for three years.

Western Maine Development will hold a pre-bid conference at the Odd Fellows building at 9 a.m. Nov. 10.

Questions regarding the bid are expected to be submitted by Dec. 10, and bid packages will be opened Dec. 17.