Metzger, George J.

METZGER, George J. (1855-1929), a prominent architect in Buffalo, N.Y. was credited with the design of Mount Carmel Hospice, Stanley Avenue near Livingston Street, NIAGARA FALLS, ONT., 1882 (Sanitary Engineer [New York], vi, 29 June 1882, 92). This distinctive Romanesque Revival landmark, with its arcaded walkways and circular corner towers, was constructed by the Carmelites as a hospitality centre for pilgrims visiting the nearby Shrine of Our Lady of Peace. Major additions to the complex were later designed by Henry A. Moeser in 1891-98. The complex became a religious retreat in 1979 and still stands today.
Metzger was born in Buffalo on 17 November 1855 and entered the profession at the age of twenty. His major works there include 65th Armoury, the Main Street Brewery (later Weyand's Brewery), several public schools, as well as buildings later acquired and occupied by the University of Buffalo. He also served as County Architect for Erie County. After his retirement from the profession in 1915 he organized the Metzger Construction Corporation, a large private construction company which built Children's Hospital, the Mayflower Apartments, and several schools. Metzger died in Buffalo on 7 December 1929 (obit. Courier Express [Buffalo], 8 Dec. 1929, Section 7, p. 2; Buffalo Evening News, 9 Dec. 1929; biog. Twentieth Century Buffalo, 1902, 115, with port. 124).