45 expansion pushes out another beloved Downtown landmark
Multiple Downtown Houston restaurants have been sent packing as TxDOT's I-45 expansion project gets underway. Tout Suite is the latest on that list as the beloved French cafe exits its 2001 Commerce St. digs and begins its journey toward East Downtown.
Tout Suite, which opened in 2014, will be moving to The Mill retail center, located at 2315 Navigation Blvd., just a quick 0.4 miles away from the original location. According to a press release, the cafe will be relocating before the expansion hits and is aiming to reopen in the summer of 2025.
Tout Suite built its reputation on its espresso drinks, pastries, and cocktails. The late-night coffee shop drew in waves of college students and office crowds. But if you never thought to park and have a drink, it was a familiar landmark for motorists near Minute Maid Park.
Tout Suite does have another location at 1515 Fannin St. in South Downtown.
The I-45 expansion, formally known as the North Houston Highway Improvement Project, is the brainchild of the Texas Department of Transportation. Debates (and delays) surrounding the project have been ongoing for years, even leading to the creation of an opposition group called Stop TxDOT I-45. The ongoing $11.2 billion project, which is projected to be $80 million over budget, is expected to start construction in 2025.
The first phase of the project, which is ongoing, plans to improve drainage infrastructure along St. Emmanuel Street. Local eclectic watering hole Neil's Bar announced its departure and relocation towards 3409 McKinney St. Agricole Hospitality announced in September that three of its concepts, HiWay Cantina, Lightnin's Good Times, and Vinny's, would be closing because of the expansion. Astros hangout Cobo's Que is also contemplating a closure.
