Lennox & Addington Museum & Archives
The County Museum and Archives is adjacent to the County’s stately limestone Courthouse, restored by +VG Architects in 1996. The museum, an 1864 limestone building, was, until 1971, the county jail.
In 2002, the County retained +VG Architects to provide architectural consulting and museum planning services to carry out a review of the Museum and Archives structural and functional components, such as service delivery and accessibility, in order to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the Museum operation for the 21st Century. One of the major goals of the study was to find ways to accommodate more flexible space for student activity, education programs, and multi-purpose needs.
In Spring 2009, +VG was asked to revisit the study to review the program against current needs and update project costing in anticipation of proceeding with implementation of the Museum and Archives Master Plan vision later in 2009. In 2011, +VG was retained to design the expansion to the existing Archives building. We were chosen for the expertise and experience with designing institutional buildings within historical contexts.
The expansion includes new activity and educational program areas, public washrooms, relocated Research Room and Archival Storage, multi-purpose space, storage space in the basement, and a new one-storey gallery addition.
The historical setting of the property as a whole, represented a unique challenge. In order to fully appreciate this setting, it was imperative that the development of the property be designed in harmony with both the topography of the site and the existing heritage fabric, so that the historical beauty of the existing building and natural open area of the site will continue to be the dominant features. To accomplish this, careful consideration has been given to the size and siting of the building, the architecture of the new intervention in regards to the choice of cladding materials, and in maintaining as much as possible of the property in its natural current state.
LOCATION
Napanee, Ontario
COMPLETED
2014
SIZE
12,000 ft²
SERVICES
Study, Renovation & Addition
PHOTOGRAPHY
David Bell
Niagara Takes Flight Flying Theatre Attraction
Niagara Takes Flight was conceived as an immersive flying theatre experience that redefines how visitors engage with the Niagara Region.
The attraction integrates architectural design, media technology, and interpretive storytelling within a highly complex spatial environment. Guests begin in a four-room pre-show sequence featuring audio/visual installations that explore 13,000 years of regional history. One highlight, the Ancestors Room, was developed in collaboration with Indigenous communities and incorporates original artwork to convey foundational cultural narratives.
The transition to the main theatre occurs via an Art Deco-inspired elevator simulating a descent beneath Horseshoe Falls, referencing the hydroelectric and industrial heritage of the site. The theatre itself features gondola-style seating suspended before a 180-degree curved screen, delivering a dynamic aerial perspective of the Niagara River corridor. Environmental effects such as mist, wind, and scent cues complement the visual experience, requiring precise integration of mechanical systems and theatrical infrastructure.
The project involved the construction of the new attraction and associated retail area including required demolition of the former ‘Fury’ attraction that had been in existence since 2005. The new attraction included modifications to the base-building mechanical and electrical systems as well as themed pre-show spaces and the ‘gift shop’ area including an extensive theatrical lighting system. Base-building structural columns and roof girders required removal or extension requiring shoring of the space for an extended period. Partial upper floor removals were required to accommodate the ride’s five-storey high dome screen. A new emergency exit stair was introduced at the north side of the attraction. The ride vendor’s proprietary ride system required the manufacture of a substantial two-level structure to support the four ride gondolas and withstand significant eccentric loading.
This project demanded close coordination between architectural, structural, and technical disciplines to achieve both functional and thematic objectives. The result is a landmark attraction that combines advanced engineering with interpretive design, creating a multi-sensory experience rooted in history and place.
LOCATION
Niagara Falls, Ontario
COMPLETED
2025
SIZE
9,160 ft² (Theatre Area)
2,443 ft² (Retail Area)
SERVICES
Renovation/Redevelopment
PRESS
Niagara Takes Flight: Reimagining the Gateway to the Falls
Fokal Point
Soar Above Niagara Falls with Thrilling New Flight Experience
Good Morning Washington
‘Niagara Takes Flight’: Ontario’s brand-new flying theater ride
yahoo!news
You may have been to Niagara before, but you’ve never seen it quite like this
Globe & Mail
