MZE/architecture+design inc.

10/13/2026

Creative design can unlock opportunities on even the most challenging sites.

This recently completed five-unit infill residential development transforms an irregularly shaped lot into a contemporary and efficient housing solution within an established neighbourhood.

Working closely with the municipal planning department, MZE/a+d developed a site-specific design that navigated the required minor variances while maximizing the development potential of the property.

With limited space at grade, the design looks upward—incorporating private rooftop amenity spaces and dedicated rooftop storage to provide residents with functional outdoor living space while making efficient use of the site.

Located near the historic Welland Canal corridor, the project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture and planning can bring new housing to constrained urban properties while balancing density, livability and neighbourhood context.

📍 Niagara Region, Ontario
🏠 5 Residential Units

10/01/2026

100 years of architecture in Niagara. And a lot of drawings. ✏️

In 1926, architect T.H. Wiley established an architectural practice in Niagara. Over the century that followed, the practice was passed down through generations of successor architects, each continuing its work and contributing to the built environment of Niagara and Southern Ontario.

In 2026, we're celebrating 100 years of architectural practice—and we're opening the archives.

Throughout our centennial year, From the MZE Archives will share original hand drawings, photographs and project records that offer a glimpse into the buildings we've inherited as part of our practice's history—and into a very different era of architectural design.

We’re starting with the Grimsby Post Office, a beautiful example of mid-century modern civic architecture from the 1950s.

Long before CAD, BIM and photorealistic renderings, this project was communicated through a carefully drawn architectural perspective. The strong horizontal roofline, deep overhangs, rhythmic façade and fieldstone entrance wall seen in the drawing carried remarkably faithfully into the completed building.

The original project file contains some great details too: the structure and building services were designed to accommodate a future second storey, and the recorded construction cost was $156,890—or $13.25 per square foot.

This is just the beginning.

Over the coming months, we'll be digging deeper into a century of drawings, photographs and architectural history from across Niagara.

From the MZE Archives, learn more here https://www.mzearchitects.com/news/2026/10/01/from-the-mze-archives-grimsby-post-office
Celebrating 100 Years of Architecture in Niagara | 1926–2026

📍 Grimsby Post Office | Grimsby, Ontario | 1950s

09/28/2026

The recently completed accessibility upgrades at the historic Robertson School in downtown St. Catharines demonstrate how thoughtful design can improve inclusivity while respecting an important piece of the city’s built heritage.

Originally opened in 1829 as the Grantham Academy, this designated heritage building is now home to Bridges Niagara Immigrant and Refugee Services, supporting newcomers and communities throughout Niagara.

MZE/a+d’s work focused on making the three-storey building more accessible while respecting its historic character. Improvements included a new passenger elevator connecting all three levels, three new universal washrooms, accessible entrance and interior modifications, and enhanced barrier-free circulation throughout the building.

Working within an existing heritage structure required thoughtful architectural and engineering coordination, demonstrating how accessibility, adaptive reuse and heritage conservation can work together to give historic buildings a more inclusive future.

We’re proud to help preserve an important piece of St. Catharines’ built heritage while making it more accessible to the community it serves.

📍 Robertson School | Downtown St. Catharines, Ontario

09/22/2026

MZE/a+d is pleased to announce the completion of extensive building upgrades at the Bill Burgoyne Memorial Arena in St. Catharines, Ontario. The project included a significant exterior building envelope upgrades with a new insulated EIFS system and refreshed façade, along with new lighting, rooftop HVAC equipment, change-room heat pumps, a low-emissivity rink ceiling and targeted foundation repairs.

The result gives the arena a fresh new identity while improving energy performance, occupant comfort and long-term durability—extending the life of an important community facility for years to come.

We’re proud to continue working with the City of St. Catharines to renew and reinvest in the municipal and recreational spaces that serve our community.

Read more on our website here: https://www.mzearchitects.com/news

08/10/2026

Construction is starting on the renovation to the St. Catharines Train Station! Our design creates an expanded, covered train platform, while seamlessly integrating with the historic architecture by carefully removing exterior walls of the defunct luggage storage area of the existing building. For more updates on this project and others, visit our website.

07/25/2026

We have been enjoying providing interior design services for the newest model of a local luxury yacht manufacturer here in Niagara. This is a sneak peek at the main cabin.

https://neptunusyachts.com/650s/

06/27/2026

We can’t wait to show you how we have worked with Neptunus Yachts in providing the interior design complement for this beautiful boat! Stay tuned!

Today the hull, deck and flybridge of the new Neptunus 650S all came together for the first time. This is a huge milestone for the team, as so much work has gone into the boat to reach this point.

06/22/2026

We are excited for the grand reopening of Sunset Beach today! It has been a pleasure to contribute and enhance such a beautiful public space. A fun fact regarding our design of the changeroom pavilion is that it is solar oriented for sunset on the summer solstice. 😎
.Catharines-Henge City of St. Catharines

05/14/2026

We are looking forward to long weekend hikes at Ball’s Falls Conservation centre this spring & summer. MZE designed this building as a teaching tool to demonstrate conservation initiatives through design features. The heating and cooling is provided for by a ground source heat exchanger. Rainwater is collected from the roof and used for non-potable water activities. Natural ventilation through operable windows for shoulder season or nighttime cooling. Southerly oriented windows and large roof overhangs control heat gain during the summer and allow the low winter sun to pe*****te deep into the building interior and there is on site Bio Filtration waste water treatment. This building is the first Niagara building to receive LEED Gold status.

04/10/2026

Thundering Heights Public School in Niagara Falls opened this past September, we're so excited to see this school come to life!