This is definitely a contractor job. It sounds like a Lally Column (a steel pipe filled with reinforced 5,000 PSI concrete). If it sits on a floor midspan, chances are that you can remove it safely. If it reaches to the ground and sits on a reinforced concrete pillar or column, then it is a primary mid-span support and must remain in place.
In any case, check with the County Building and Safety for prior building permits and inspection reports. These reports include the name of the architect who designed the structure. He will have his original drawings for a minimum of seven years. The "approval stamp" will include the date and time of approval and the approving agency. The drawings will include the building code in force at the time of approval.
I still highly recommend getting a licensed contractor to bid the job and advise you as to the best course of action.
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