Dan Gilbert's First National Building at 660 Woodward Avenue is getting a lot of love lately. Earlier this week, news broke that the building would be getting a new mural — the world's tallest, at a proposed 354 feet high — courtesy of New York street artists How and Nosm.
Today, additional news comes that the building will host a new eatery called Central Kitchen + Bar.
According to a release, Central will feature "approachable, upscale bar food." Christina Stanco, formerly of Café ML and Luxe, will serve as executive chef. The 3,028-square-foot space will overlook Cadillac Square and Campus Martius Park and seat nearly 130 diners inside, with a patio that will accommodate an additional 24.
Dennis Archer, Jr. and partners Christopher Brochert and Ken Karam are behind the endeavor. The eatery is expected to bring approximately 50 new jobs to the city.
“We could not be more excited to help breathe life back into this space and open our doors in the heart of the city,” Archer, Jr. said in a release. The restaurant is on target to open its doors in July. The mural, meanwhile, is planned to be completed by the end of May.
The interior has been designed by Ron Rea and Roman Bonislawski, who have also worked on Joe Muer Seafood, Luxe, Legend’s and Dime Store. The plans for Central include "vintage crystal, reclaimed searchlights, and an open kitchen." Check out some renderings below:
