Though rumors of its arrival have been around since 2009, it looks like a Costco will finally be built in Northeast D.C. next year.

DCmud reports that the final moves have been made to start construction of the Shops at Dakota Crossing, a 42-acre development in the Fort Lincoln area of Northeast, where Costco will serve as an anchor tenant. More details:

In all, the plan allows for 26 tenants in 13 buildings at the Shops, but as of now, only 182,060 of the 430,000 s.f. has been claimed by tenants: 154,000 s.f. by Costco and 28,060 s.f. by Marshalls. After Costco’s building is delivered late next year, the rest of the development will continue to rise and retailers are expected to be able to settle into spaces by mid-2013.

The news will certainly be welcomed by the District residents who have for years flocked to the Crystal City Costco, one that’s so busy and that attracts so many high-rollers that it was profiled by the New York Times in 2007.

It also marks something of a milestone for the city — at some point in 2012, residents won’t have to leave the District for either Wal-Mart or Costco. According to city officials, some $1 billion in business is lost to big-box stores in Virginia and Maryland. Of course, if you’re a fan of local business, it won’t be particularly good year.