Managers at Chez Panisse in Berkeley have set June 10 as a reopening date after the world famous restaurant was damaged in a fire last month.
On Monday, the restoration took a major step forward when a crane lifted a two-story steel face into place. Building codes have changed since the restaurant opened in 1971, and the steel is a new requirement in the name of earthquake safety.
The steel will be covered in Redwood in the next few weeks.
The builder told NBC Bay Area getting the frame in place was a huge accomplishment.
Gene DeSmidt is working with the original designer who came up with a sketch of what the new Chez Panisse will look like. They call it a mix of Japanese style design and American craftsman.
On March 8 a fire burned the front portion of the restaurant.
Chez Panisse was founded by food activist Alice Water who believes in fresh, local and sustainable foods.
The restaurant isn't taking reservations yet.
