This is confusing - esp. without pictures. Removing part of a wall is demolition, no? and it depends what is in the wall. Where is the plumbing?

Thank you. I apologize for confusion; posted in haste- always a mistake.
The wall is 45 inches tall as is, without topper/ tile. Intuitively, it just feels too tall for the small space, as well as complicating plan to have shower tile (white subway) continue around room at same height. I realize that this would bring the niche to top of half-wall, thinking this is not a problem. ?
Other options that I can think of would be to tile entire area, tile outside half-wall, or simply drywall outside of shower. Facing side of room is 6ft long double vanity that will have same counter material (quartz) as shower niche as well as quartz backsplash, or white subway tile backsplash. Thank you. If you can follow this i am indebted! Can you tell that I am a bit overwrought? :)

This post was edited by randekasp on Mon, Feb 25, 13 at 16:43

You should ask the person who put it in what is involved in lowering it. I don't understand why it would complicate the tiling situation. If you imagine tile going up all of the bathroom walls with tile to the same height as the pony wall, isn't that good? I think it would look nice.
I think it looks a bit tall too, but it may be necessary to avoid splashing the toilet. It's hard to tell from your photo.