Austin, TX Visits Boston: Lyrik Back Bay (Parcel 12)

Eager to learn more about innovative highway capping projects, our Austin contingent visited Lyrik Back Bay (Parcel 12), an ambitious and transformative development constructed above eight lanes of the Massachusetts Turnpike and two active MBTA railway lines. At the heart of this groundbreaking project is 1001 Boylston, a 450,000-square-foot hub for lab and office spaces, which will soon house the global headquarters of CarGurus and The LEGO Group.

Peter Sougarides, Principal of Samuels & Associates, welcomed us to Lyrik and provided a behind-the-scenes look at this project.

During our visit to the courtyard and multiple levels of the building, we were captivated by the scenic views of Boston and gained a deeper appreciation for the design’s ingenuity. Our discussions centered on the project’s intricate logistics, including the creative strategies employed to transform a previously fragmented stretch of Boylston Street into what will become a cohesive, vibrant urban space.

We were joined by Austin Council Member Zo Qadri, staff from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson’s Office, staff from Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool’s office, Austin Council Member Chito Vela’s office, members of the Mayor’s Office of Housing as well as Councilor Durkan, and team members from Abundant Housing MA.