Thanks for the input, handymac. Where are you finding the 80-inch door? I do find Jeld-Wen but what I find indicates it's the height that's 80 inches (or 96 inches is an option), with widths of either 60, 72, or 96 inches; I'm looking for a door with width of 80 inches which is a tweener... if you found one, please share the link? :] The header replacement is because the current windows are 80 inches wide. If we can't come up with a solution workable with a 72 inch door, may have to use a 96 inch door and that's where the new header comes in. The sidelight is an interesting thought - but is it secure to put a sidelight next to a sliding patio door with no wall between? (I can just see a burglar pushing on the frame between the two and voila, they're in my house.) Other than the header and the floor, what are they holding on to? (I'm not building savvy, it's all sort of creepy to me to be knocking down and tearing out and replacing). Thanks for your further consideration.

Ohio has some of the best manufacturers in the business located there. I would encourage you to look at Polaris or Soft-Lite for what most pros consider a more premium product.

I would use two tall windows to fill the space. Assuming that the window wall is about 16ft tall, I would split it into two units. I would make both units operable. Are those inswing our outswing casements that you currently have? Using two 7ft tall windows for instance with a structural support separating the two, would be my first choice. What is the width of the current glass wall? See the last window in the link for Tiltco windows. I know nothing about tiltco as a company but just wanted to show you a suggested approach. Good luck!

Answered in the other thread. I would go with the Bay recommendation with a large center picture window.