At GBA, we’re always looking for innovative ways to blend form and function—and this latest installation showcases just that. For a new stairway and elevator enclosure leading to a second-floor dining area, we combined two of our trusted systems for the first time: Circle Redmont’s 81R CR Cast Iron and 82R Composite Cast Iron with Glass Bullet panels. The stair treads were fabricated from cast iron to maximize strength and long-term durability, while the surrounding walls utilized lighter composite castings for easier handling and installation without compromising visual impact.
This wasn’t a typical staircase. With three direction changes, a single central stringer, and tight elevation tolerances, the design demanded exacting precision. GBA collaborated closely with CR to develop a custom installation template that ensured every tread—each weighing 200 pounds—was anchored with pinpoint accuracy. Custom welded fins on the stringer locked the treads into place, maintaining consistent rise and run while aligning seamlessly with the finished second-floor elevation. Landings, weighing up to 1,000 pounds, were also installed with care, despite the added complexity of working around completed ceilings and walls.
The wall panels surrounding the elevator enclosure presented their own set of challenges. Clean vertical and horizontal joints, corner transitions, and elevator operator cutouts all required pre-planning and detailed execution. In addition, every element of the stair and wall assembly was designed to accommodate integrated backlighting—enhancing the architecture with depth and visual drama. This project highlights what GBA does best: solving complex design challenges with a focus on durability, precision, and architectural elegance.
"Work was done very professionally with outstanding quality. Your crews were very attentive to detail & made sure to protect surrounding work surfaces from damage. They communicated well with my field team to ensure we & the Owner were satisfied with the end product. Job well done." - Russell Stafford, RNGD A Palmisano Company
"We were lucky to have GBA on our project at Lutheran East High School. From the front office to the field supervision and crew were very knowledgeable with our project. Took extra care not to damage the building during demolition. The quality of materials and their labor force was top-notch." — Peter Powell, Carey Construction Group
"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the glass block at Lutheran East High School and have received many compliments on the design. The glass block windows give the building a nice “pop” of color on the exterior each side of the gym and helped to maintain the identity of the school." - Rick Jozity, Meraki Architects, L.L.C
"I saw the final glass block wall in person and it really is a work of art. We are so grateful for your team’s hard work on this." – Crister Cantrell, Gensler
"As the Senior Project Manager for the general contracting company responsible for completing all aspects of the historical restoration, structural rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse modifications to the derelict Triboro tuberculosis hospital, one of the most difficult challenges was finding capable and qualified subcontractors for the key restoration trades that are both committed to quality construction and respectful of the historical restoration process. I am lucky enough to have worked with GBA on previous successful projects and was glad to bring them into this project. GBA provided the essential expertise and quality craftsmanship that this project needed and was a reliable partner helping us convert the Triboro Tuberculosis Hospital into the T Building Residence." – Senior Project Manager, Bill Harwood for the GC, Mega Contracting
"On behalf of me, my project manager and CGC; I would like to reach out to applaud the quality and workmanship of the crew sent out to do the glass block wall outside of the theater here in Hudson. Dan and Nate went above and beyond to keep their work area organized and clean, even protected our finish trim and VWC in the mixing area with plastic. If only more companies active on site would follow in your companies steps these buildings would be cut and dry and run very efficiently. Thank you! - Jake M. Behler, Cameron General Contractors
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