SFGate

Deborah Butler, Brickwood Builders You asked if you could close it up. If you plan to do that, then it would not matter if it is load bearing, except in what order to remove things and rebuild the wall. If you want to get rid of it and not close it up, then you need an engineer to look at it and provide guidance. We can't see the ceiling in your picture but my guess would be that it is not loadbearing.

mrskaridixon Here is another picture.

Deborah Butler, Brickwood Builders Thanks for the additional picture. It probably is loadbearing, but if so, it would already have some sort of beam embedded within the wall as the spindles could not provide the needed support. A contractor or engineer could tell you quickly and help you understand your options.

mrskaridixon Thank you.

Carrie I would get a pro to come in and do the job. I think it would look nicer filled in rather than open.

mrskaridixon Carrie, I agree. I think it would look very nice finished with sheetrock.