After careful consideration we opted for the framers suggestion to eliminate the full wall surrounding the staircase and make it a half-wall.  Not only will the new wall allow more light into the stairway it also make the kitchen seem that much larger.

A couple of views from the lower level.  The first is one of the bedrooms followed by a storage room with access to the exterior.  Second photo is the entrance to the workout area that is prepped for a bathroom in the corner.

Since a portion of the framing is done on the main floor you can see what the view will be from some of the rooms.  This will be the view from the two windows in the sunroom facing north and west.

This will be the main window view from the living room facing west.  The wall that is still missing will be the view from the kitchen.

And finally the view from the bedroom, also facing the lake.