Boston – Samuels & Associates (S&A) announced an array of national and local restaurants and retail anchoring the public plaza at the base of its hotel, office and life science project, Parcel 12, in the Back Bay/Fenway.
Lyrik Back Bay was also unveiled as the name for Boston’s new gateway and western anchor of Back Bay and Newbury Street. Electric vehicle brand Rivian will open its first Boston area retail location there this summer, and Avra Estiatorio – the Greek restaurant with outposts in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles – will debut its first Boston location in spring 2025 with expansive views, private balcony seating, bar area, and sleek aesthetic inspired by the Greek village of Nafpaktos. These national tenants will be joined by local companies George Howell Coffee and Pink Carrot and, new to Boston, ChiCha San Chen, an international organic tea house, in the fall of 2024. With the signing of these tenants, S&A has now announced leases of more than 65% of the retail space in Lyrik Back Bay.
As the retail opens throughout 2024 and into 2025, the multi-level plaza will be activated with varied programming designed to introduce the new space to all, including live music and public art.
Lyrik’s retail collection is located adjacent to a new public plaza and green space built on a deck over the Massachusetts Turnpike. The Lyrik name is inspired by the creative energy of neighbors including Berklee College of Music and The Boston Pops, the legacy of music and art in the area, and the city’s history as an innovation incubator. Lyrik delivers a new 450,000sf office and life sciences building with corporate headquarters for both anchor tenants CarGurus and the LEGO Group, 35,000sf of shops and restaurants, a new multi-tiered public plaza and an all-electric citizenM affordable luxury hotel.
