Community Corner

Gowanus Whole Foods Begins To Rise From The Ground

A representative stated the Brooklyn market is on track to open this fall. Meanwhile, the Coignet Building at the far end of the lot continues to decline offers to rent.


Between recent construction at the future site of Brooklyn's first Whole Foods store, and prospective renters checking out the recently advertised Coignet building located at the far end of the lot, the corner of Third Avenue and Third Street is drawing a lot of attention to Gowanus this week.

"Anyone passing by will see a lot of activity from now on," said Whole Foods spokesperson Michael Sinatra. "Foundation beams were set. Now people will see it literally rising from the site and start to look like a store."

The 52,000-square-foot market will have a red brick exterior in keeping with the aesthetic of the area, as well as a 20,000-square-foot rooftop greenhouse, growing vegetables to be sold inside the store, used in prepared foods and as a resource for nearby school tours, Sinatra said.

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"We also plan to partner with local artists and other organizations, for decorating the interior," he added. Those relationships have not yet been brokered, however.

"As the store gets closer to opening we will begin reaching out to both local artisan producers as well as schools and others."

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In the meantime, the landmarked Coignet Building at the far end of the lot has been begging off interest from prospective local renters.

"There has been a lot of interest in the building," said Associate James Singleton of Massey Knakal realty, which is representing the property for owner Richard Kowalski. "Restaurants, bars, wine stores, you name it. We were recently talking to a gentleman who runs a community history thing related to restoring old buildings, he wanted to operate out of the building."

But according to his agents, Kowalski has turned down all offers to date, deeming them "undesirable." Instead, the owner would like to see a more commercial business, such as a Starbucks or a bank, lease the Coignet Building from him. To date, Singleton said, they haven't received any offers from those types of outfits.

Built in 1873, the Coignet Building was the first poured concrete building in the U.S. There is no current asking price, but the agents are accepting proposals.

"Ideally, he would like a longterm lease," said Singleton. "But he would consider an offer to buy—for the right figure."

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