ANOTHER SUITABLE IRON SPIRAL STAIR CASE

Grand Staircase rendering

Visit to Stewart Iron Works, July 2024

Another Suitable Iron Spiral Stair Case

A view of the Grand Staircase from the original spiral stair

Original Spiral Staircase photo by Phil Armstrong 2018

As we get closer to the conclusion of The 12th Story Project, we thought we’d share some details and maybe answer some questions at the same time. The one thing we’ve been asked the most after anyone sees the rendering of the 11th Story is:

Are you getting rid of the (original) spiral staircase?

Nope.

But we do need another way to access the 12th Story. The Grand Staircase, which is a marvel of engineering and design, invites anyone who enters the Library to investigate and explore both the 11th and 12th Stories.

It’s crucial that upon entering the space, both members and visitors immediately grasp our new two-story layout: TWO floors, one Library. And the design of the new staircase has been deliberately crafted in response to the historical spiral staircase.

The Grand Staircase also connects the two floors in a way that is compliant with 21st Century building codes. Neither the existing spiral staircase nor the staircase in the elevator lobby do so.

Crafted by Stewart Iron Works, the Grand Staircase weighs 20,300 pounds. It is made of carbon steel, including 2,924 feet of hanging rods (186 rods total) and 36 risers, all of which were cast at Stewart’s facility in Northern Kentucky. The stairs were then delivered to the Library in pieces—none of which could be more than seven feet in length, in order to fit in the elevator.

We took a trip to Stewart earlier this summer to see some of the fabrication and learn more about the process. Dozens of designers and engineers in three different countries contributed to this project.

Stewart’s team has now assembled the staircase onsite, ensuring its weight is evenly distributed by hanging from the ceiling of the 12th Story and sitting on the already reinforced floor of the 11th Story. But it is not the only staircase in the Library with a great story.

Did you know that for some time, the original spiral staircase actually didn’t lead anywhere? For decades, it was partially covered and the only way to get to the 12th floor was by elevator or the stairwell in the lobby. It was uncovered as part of the renovation of the 12th Story Lecture Hall in 2000.

We’d heard it had been a part of the Library when we occupied the Cincinnati College Building (built in 1870), and that moving it was a requirement in our legendary lease. We did some investigating and found it isn’t a requirement, but it is in the lease. We found that the staircase was definitely in the College Building (purchased by the Emery family and demolished in 1902). Ever practical, in a 1904 version of our lease, the Library suggested the builder use the existing staircase:

“The present iron spiral stair case now in use may be used, provided the same is removed without injury by the Emerys, and can be adapted to the new location and properly erected so as to be in every respect a suitable and proper stair case for the connection of said rooms in said building; otherwise another suitable iron spiral stair case shall be provided by the Emerys…”

We don’t know who cast the original staircase, as there’s no maker’s mark or badge anywhere. But we’re still looking for clues. And records. And the new stair will have a badge.

Thanks to Evonne Morales, Project Architect, Drawing Department, and Jeremy Hildebrand, Project Manager, Stewart Iron Works for the details on the Grand Staircase.