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As explained in Benjamin Radford's book Mysterious New Mexico: Miracles, Magic, and Monsters in the Land of Enchantment allegedly miraculous is the best characterization. The sisters seem to have forgotten Francois-Jean Rochas was paid for the materials and labor. But that doesn't mean he "built" the staircase.
This is a case of people, like nuns who aren't supposed to outright lie or bare false witness, editorializing events. There are other buildings that had similar staircases, built using the same technique, in the world. These other buildings didn't have people actively regurgitating fictions of devine builders with equally blessed materials and building methods.
In my opinion; The miracle here is: this building is about 500yds from the main plaza of the oldest Capital City in the USA; and it still stands as a Tourist Trap.
There are at least two other beautiful Spainsh Style new world cathedrals/chappel with in walking distance. They lack tall tales.
But the staircase is worth witnessing if you like craft wood.

I grew up right by the Old Croton Aqueduct, and always enjoyed learning about its history and how they constructed it. I highly recommend the excellent Water for Gotham, which offers a fascinating look at the struggle to bring clean water into New York City.

The New Croton Dam opened in 1906, replacing the Old Croton Dam, which opened in 1842. I wondered what happened to the old dam, and it turns out that they submerged it in the new reservoir! When the water is low, you can see the top of it from the Gate House Bridge! Compare this picture of the new gatehouse and the old one (to the lower left); you can determine the location of the old dam by the old pipes, which is really cool.

Louis Khan was one of the great architects of the 20th century. Brilliant builder, challenges as a human(but who will remember that in 200 years?)

There's a movie where his son discovers his father's work and life: My Architect: A Son's Journey

this reminds me of a book called wood burner.

i love this type of architecture taxonomy..
http://www.amazon.com/Wood-Burner-Mihalyo-Daniel/dp/156898104X

Have you ever read Death in a Prairie House? Really interesting book about more than just the architect.

I have had this book on my Amazon wishlist for a while:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3836525194

I think this might satsfy, if you want to shell out the cash!

http://www.amazon.com/Graphic-Masterpieces-Yakov-Georgievich-Chernikhov/dp/3938666617/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347071974&sr=8-1&keywords=chernikhov

The Devil in the White City offers a nice bit of history about the fair...and a serial killer.