Books & Company is a bookstore located in the new mixed-use retail center developed by Steiner & Associates. The desired grand ornate look of the store interior was to be achieved by the extensive use of ornamental railing that graced the mirror image curved ornamental staircases, the surround balconies and the coffee shop. Messer Construction Company faced a unique challenge. They needed to find a company that could start with the specified ornamental concept, then design, manufacture and install railings in about six weeks. They chose Stewart Iron Works.

The Stewart team went to work. Based on our extensive knowledge of custom railing design we were able very quickly to inform the customer that the ornamental components selected were made in Europe and their manufacturer needed three months to produce the quantity required for a project of this scope.

We recommended that Stewart create a new custom railing design that would maintain the grand appearance they desired, but could be made using modern water-jet metal cutting technology. This approach would yield a large quantity of ornate components in a short amount of time, and would allow us to maintain their schedule. They said go.

The mirror image curved ornamental staircase railings were a particular challenge. To achieve the quality fit and finish appropriate to a grand staircase, railing construction must be based on the actual physical dimensions of the as-built staircases. This meant that even less time was available for the staircase railing.

Stewart Iron Works successfully completed this project on time. The customer is pleased and convinced that the grand ornate appearance desired has been achieved especially since the Books & Company staircases have now become a photographic destination for Dayton area students.