The original wrought iron railing was discovered during the demolition phase of the project, having been encased with wood studs and plaster during earlier remodeling. Additionally, the width of the opening through the wall had been narrowed by removing the arch, and the concrete floor was hidden under a layer of modern saltillo tile. The arch was rebuilt, and anchored to the cast-in-place concrete beam that still spanned the entirety of the opening, the railing was cleaned, and the concrete floor and stair refinished by a local expert in the trade. Architect: Gene Kniaz, Spiral Architects General Contractor: Linthicum Custom Builders Photo: Maureen Ryan Photography