The Loretto Chapel: Land of Enchantment

Piercing blue skies and a sprawling desert landscape awarded the state of New Mexico with the moniker "The Land of Enchantment."  And justly so—with every visit, I find countless opportunities for enchantment.

A recent visit in December brought a flood of familiar pleasures:  luminarias lined every path and wall; adobe homes glistened with fresh snow; the fragrance of pinion firewood was piped from every horno and chiminea.   

The distinctiveness of New Mexican culture is unmistakable—bred from Native American, Mexican, and Spanish founding fathers, the state’s lineage is all but traditional. The traditions of each culture have permeated those of the next, birthing an original language of beliefs, rituals and celebrations. Perhaps the richest—and undoubtedly the most fascinating—is the legacy of faith and superstition.  

In effort to engage such superstition, I trekked to the heart of Santa Fe (The City of “Holy Faith”) to the famed Loretto Chapel.  The gothic structure was built in the late 1800’s to mirror King Louis IX’s Sainte-Chapelle in Paris but lacked one crucial feature: a staircase.  Legend has it that Sisters of Loretto, desperate to access their choir loft, prayed relentlessly to St. Joseph, Patron Saint of Carpentry. 

After nine consecutive days of prayer, a craftsman arrived and agreed to build them a staircase.  His craft remains unrivaled—the stair makes over two complete 360-degree turns, stands 20' tall, has no center support, and was built without nails. Immediately following the completion of the stair, the craftsman disappeared and was never again seen.

The complexity of the stair, coupled with the disappearance of its builder was fertile ground for native superstition.  Many continue to believe that St. Joseph himself constructed the stair.

Having spent the last year observing our skilled craftsmen challenge gravity and physics without divine intercession, my impression of the stair was not without bias.  I did, however, garner two profound truths from my visit:

1) A truly magnificent staircase has the power to transcend function and inspire the realms of art, myth and religion

2)  Hiring a master stair builder at the start of your new construction or remodeling project prevents costly design flaws (or in this case, nine consecutive days of prayer)

Mary Anne Carter

Assistant Director of Marketing

Ancient Stairway to The Masada

Last fall I had the pleasure of traveling to Israel for the first time. I was deeply moved by the Dead Sea Region, and most importantly The Masada, a compound on the top of a plateau surrounded by canyons and river runs with steep drop offs. The Masada is thousands of years old and ripe with history. In order to reach the entrance you have the option of ascending 700 stairs that are cut into the mountainside at sunrise, or wait until 8am and catch the trolley. I of course chose the 5am hike – and was so moved that I did it a second time the next day!

This is an experience I would recommend to anyone. Highlights are the visual beauty, the stillness of the desert as she fills with light, the many layers of history, and of course the contemplative walk up.  As I climbed those stairs I couldn’t help but think of my place of work—Seattle Stair—and the amazing stairs we create for our customers. The richness in the history of building stairs is also full of layers that incorporate tradition and artisanship. I couldn’t help but think of how much my associates would appreciate the climb (and the view!) as I stood there on the top step looking out at the Dead Sea. The journey up these 700 stairs is most definitely the most impactful climb I have yet to take. 

Phoebe Schraer 

In Memory of Marilyn Christman

Marilyn Christman

March 8, 1954 - September 6, 2012

As the New Year commences, we are called to reflect on the previous year. Paramount in our memory is the passing of Marilyn Christman, beloved wife of Shawn and central member of the Seattle Stair team. For thirty-four years, Marilyn's abundant compassion and fortitude propelled Seattle Stair to reach its fullest potential. In her passing, she left us with the final words, “We can do it.” It is in these words and her beloved memory that we embrace the opportunities and challenges of the New Year.

We thank our friends, family and colleagues for their support this past year, and wish you the best in 2013. We can do it.

Happy Holidays from Seattle Stair & Design

Don't Skip the Staircase: Holiday Decor for Our Favorite Feature

The holidays are in full swing.  Neighborhoods are aglow with seasonal strands of lights and garlands; families and friends convene for decadent feasts; lists are made and checked twice.

In many homes, the staircase will become a catch all for holiday festivities- a coat check for dinner parties; a precious landing pad for eager children as they await the arrival of Santa Claus; a centerpiece for the entry way. 

Transform your staircase into a spectacle with these decorating tips that range from contemporary to classic, effortless to extravagant. 

View the entire collection as well as helpful hints on our Pintrest.

The sweep of fresh garland on the handrail provides a pop of color to the clean, white balusters and dark treads; the paper whites say "holiday" without a trace of kitsch. 

For those dreaming of a tinsel Christmas. 

Unsure of what to do with all of those holiday cards?  Hang them on your handrail for a colorful, personal touch.

Don't forget to view the entire collection as well as helpful hints on our Pintrest.

The Forgotten Option: Stair Parts Packages

The above stair was remodeled with a blend of custom and stock parts.  The handrail, newel, cap, and nosing are all custom stair parts created in our shop.  The iron ballusters are part of our selection of stock parts. 

Throughout my time at Seattle Stair & Design, I have found that the bulk of architects, contractors, and potential clients know us best for our grand, shop built stair systems.  Although the shop built stair is indeed a large focus, it represents only a percentage of our capabilities.  When our craftsmen are not fabricating custom spirals or challenging gravity with hidden joinery or glass treads, our shop becomes a haven for custom millwork and affordable stair parts that lend opportunity to any existing staircase.

Not unlike our grand staircases, the range of styles and materials available is limited only by code and imagination.   Our experienced team of designers, architects and engineers collaborate to provide visually striking options that transform any stair into a statement without losing sight of your remodeling budget.

We offer three tiers of stock part packages—custom, stock, or a blend of the two.  Whether you seek a total overhaul or just a new starter newel or handrail system, we take pleasure in transforming staircases even on the smallest scale.  

Mary Anne Carter

Assistant Director of Marketing

Dave Cooper at Seattle Stair

Seattle Stair & Design Owner Shawn Christman pictured with Dave Cooper of the Stairway Manufacturers' Association

Seattle Stair & Design had the privilege of hosting Dave Cooper of the SMA at the shop today.  We thank Dave for his time and interest in our space. Safe travels!