Southern Downtown Park, bounded by Fannin, San Jacinto, Leeland, and Bell, will add green space to downtown Houston.

HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) –Plans for a new downtown park are taking shape with the selection of a restaurant operator and groundbreaking set for March 2020, according to the Downtown Redevelopment Authority.

The park, set to open on March 2021, will be on three-fourths of a block bounded by Fannin, Leeland, Bell, and San Jacinto. The new park site is within a block or two of several high-rise residential towers including Houston House and Skyhouse Houston.

The downtown authority has selected La Vie de St Concepts to operate the restaurant at the Southern Downtown Park. Called Tout Suite, the fast-casual cafe will serve an all-day menu featuring simple, fine foods, baked goods and great coffee ranging from $3 to $18.

“After a thorough RFP process, we are overjoyed to announce the selection of Tout Suite as the café operator for the new Southern Downtown Park,” said Bob Eury, DRA president. “It  was important for us to find a team adept at creating spaces that appeal to a wide range of customers, from students to professionals, from locals to out-of-towners.”

Southern Downtown Park—which will feature dog runs, tranquil seating areas, and a flexible event lawn—was designed by Lauren Griffith Associates based on a site programming report from Project for Public Spaces. Gensler is providing architectural services for the site’s fast-casual restaurant and other structures.

The 2,400-SF cafe will feature indoor seating for 56 guests and outdoor seating for 40 guests.