Remember the groundbreaking for the Gowanus Whole Foods? That was way back in 2006. Since then, the site has largely sat abandoned, although it has provided many opportunities for strolls on the frequently open property. Yesterday, our friend Gabby Warshawer, who has been keeping close tabs on the development, reported on Brownstoner that the Department of Building has issued a permit for foundation work on the 68,000 square foot store. She wrote that it marks “a huge symbolic moment in the project’s—and neighborhood’s—history. It’s been a long time coming…” Brownstoner notes that there is still no permit for the building itself or any sign that work is about to start.

GOWANUS BONUS: Some “available” signs have been spotted on Gowanus properties that are slated to the future home of the Toll Brothers big Gowanus development. The buildings are not on the market, however. The developers are looking to rent some of the space to tenants on a month-to-month basis, we’re told.