In my continueing project of removing the fireplace, I have another construction question. In the middle of the wall, horizontally, about
4ft. high is a large cross beam. Ideally, I would remove this for plan 'A'. I cannot tell if this is a load bearing header, or if it was put there to be support for the very heavy mantel that was on the wall above the fireplace. If I remove this beam,or just cut it flush with the opening, will the second floor come crashing down? The void that it goes across if 50 inches, is this too long a gap to not have support for an exterior wall? Its not much wider than for a window. Are there any alternatives to getting around this obstruction?Heres some pictures: