Project Overview
The Lyra is a 34-story residential tower located at 252-264 Huntington Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. Rising approximately 398 feet, the building includes four below-grade levels and integrates residential, retail, and cultural spaces. Designed by Stantec and developed by Toll Brothers Apartment Living in partnership with PGIM Real Estate, the project reflects a blend of modern luxury and artistic heritage.
Structurally, the tower is built around a reinforced concrete core and floor system, with steel framing likely used in the podium levels to accommodate open retail and cultural spaces. The building also features three levels of underground parking and connects to the historic Huntington Theatre, which adds complexity to the structural design in terms of load paths and vibration isolation.
Our Contribution
Aquinas Engineering played a key role in the structural design of The Lyra by providing calculations for anchors, embeds, aluminum panels, and mullions—essential components of the building’s façade system. In partnership with BVGlazing Systems, our work ensured that these elements could safely transfer loads from the exterior envelope into the structural frame while maintaining architectural integrity and performance under environmental conditions.
For the anchors and embeds, we coordinated closely with the concrete structure using BIM to ensure precise placement and avoid clashes with rebar and post-tensioning systems. Our calculations addressed tension, shear, and concrete breakout capacities in accordance with ACI 318-19 Chapter 17, while also verifying edge distances and spacing to meet code requirements.
In designing the aluminum panels and mullions, we accounted for thermal movement due to Boston’s seasonal temperature fluctuations by incorporating expansion joints and flexible connections. Mullions were engineered to resist wind pressure, dead loads, and live loads from maintenance equipment, all while adhering to deflection limits such as L/175 for visual and structural performance. We also evaluated connection durability, corrosion resistance, and fatigue to ensure long-term reliability.
Our methodology included finite element modeling (FEM) for complex geometries and embed plates, and we applied load combinations per ASCE 7-16, covering wind, seismic, dead, live, and construction loads. Welds, bolts, and fasteners were analyzed for their performance under cyclic and environmental stresses.
Special Features
The Lyra’s façade design is inspired by Greek drama masks, resulting in gestural massings and contrasting light and dark bands. This architectural vision required custom curtain wall anchorage systems capable of accommodating differential movement and complex geometries.
At the rooftop level, the structure supports a range of amenities including lounges and mechanical equipment. Our design accounted for live loads, wind uplift, and the integration of rooftop systems without compromising structural performance.
Collaboration and Integration
Throughout the project, Aquinas Engineering collaborated closely with BVGlazing Systems and other design professionals to ensure seamless integration of our structural components into the overall building envelope. Using BIM, we facilitated clash detection and coordinated the placement of embeds and anchors with the concrete and architectural systems. This collaborative approach helped maintain both the structural integrity and the aesthetic goals of the project.
Conclusion
Scheduled to finish construction by the end of the year, The Lyra tower exemplifies how thoughtful structural engineering can support and enhance architectural ambition. Aquinas Engineering is proud to have contributed to this iconic Boston development, and we hope this post serves as a valuable resource for fellow engineers and design professionals.
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Photo Credit:
- https://boston.curbed.com/boston-development/2017/12/15/16779494/huntington-avenue-apartment-tower-theater
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