NASHUA — In an effort to save the iconic Millyard chimney, one expert is recommending that a temporary reinforcement system be installed before winter.

The city’s old Boiler House building surrounding the chimney was demolished as part of the Broad Street Parkway project this summer, prompting city officials to informally discuss razing the chimney, relocating it or reducing its size. But some aldermen believe it should remain intact and continue to serve as a downtown landmark.

The aging chimney, which once stood about 180 feet high, was shortened by about 15 feet last year because of deterioration.

On Wednesday, the aldermanic Finance Committee will review a proposed contract with International Chimney of New York to perform work on the Millyard chimney at a cost of $16,400.

“The potential exists for the failure of the upper sill at the opening and the loss of brick in that area. The recommendation was to install a temporary reinforcement system prior to the upcoming winter,” states a memo from the company addressed to Mayor Donnalee Lozeau.

“There is some deterioration that we need to secure before winter,” Stephen Dookran, city engineer, said Monday.

Proposals were solicited from six firms in August; two firms submitted bids at the end of last month. International Chimney offered the lowest quote, with NAES Power Contractors of Pennsylvania bidding significantly higher at nearly $82,000.

The reinforcement plan being recommended includes the installation of scaffolding to the height of the chimney opening, and then a reinforcement with bracing and shims, according to the proposal.

Although preliminary plans for the Broad Street Parkway are not in the direct path of the chimney at 90 Pine Street Extension, engineers previously recommended reducing the chimney’s height even further, to 100 or 150 feet, because its strength may not meet state codes.

“We still haven’t determined what the final height will be. That decision hasn’t been made yet,” said Dookran.

Earlier this year, Alderman-at-Large Jim Donchess filed legislation asking that the chimney be preserved and maintained at its current height or restored to its previous height of 180 feet. Separate requests for proposals to see if full restoration is feasible have also been submitted, according to Dookran, who said those two quotes have not yet been reviewed.

“It is our hope that we can restore it to the full height, which we will find out once the bids are unsealed,” he said.

The Millyard chimney is part of the system that powered the mills with steam about a century ago. The Millyard — including its chimney — has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. It dates to 1826.

khoughton@newstote.com