Here’s an excerpt from a letter from Michael Sinatra, Public Affairs Manager of Whole Foods, to Craig Hammerman, District Manager, Community Board 6, that should answer some questions you may have about the progress of the Whole Foods store going into the lot at Third Street and Third Avenue in Park Slope.

There’s also an update of what’s going to happen to the landmarked (and curious) stone mansion on Third and Third, the Long Island Coignet Stone Building.

“After many years of hard work by our development team—and with the support of so many community members—we are now finally under way with the construction process and look forward to bringing Brooklyn residents their first Whole Foods Market next year! Since we’re sure you’re likely getting questions from area residents about construction timing, next steps, etc.

Remediation/brownfields cleanup of the property officially complete: While we had actually completed the physical remediation of the property some time ago, we were awaiting the final step in the cleanup of this brownfield site, which was the receipt of our official “certificate of completion” from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

We received the certificate earlier this year and therefore the site is completely and “officially” remediated and ready for construction.

Site preparation now under way: As our neighbors may have noticed, our contractor has completed demolition of the remaining deteriorating structures that were on the property and is now preparing the site for construction.

This first phase— including site surveys and test pile driving—should be completed in the coming weeks.

Construction to begin later this fall: Once the site preparation is complete, we anticipate beginning work on the foundation in late fall, with the store’s steel frame expected to start going up around the beginning of the year. Construction will then move ahead steadily toward our expected Fall 2013 grand opening.

Renovations to LI Coignet Stone Building: As you may recall, as part of our development plan we have committed to undertaking repairs to the landmarked Long Island Coignet Stone Company Building that is located adjacent to our site at 3rd and 3rd. Our architects are currently working on drawings for the renovation of the façade, which will then need to be approved by New York landmarks officials. Once approved, we will be able to move forward on exterior repairs to the building in conjunction with the store’s construction.

As questions are frequently asked, it’s important to note that while this building will be repaired and remain adjacent to our property, we do not actually own the building and it will not be utilized by Whole Foods Market.”

To see  more of this letter in PDF form you can go here. Thanks to Craig Hammerman for sending.