Even though such socializing is less common today, their visibility makes porches and stoops important elements of Village architecture. Stoops are made of light-colored regional limestone, often a better grade than the gray local limestone used for foundations. Where the houses have high foundations, the stoops have several steps. Stoops with ornate side pieces are a distinctive feature of the Village. Mid-1800s builders included porches on both simple and ornate Italianate and Queen Anne houses.
Some porches have plain posts and minimal ornamentation.
24 and 25 show. Porches and stoops, whether original or later additions, should be preserved in their historic forms. If they are deteriorated, they should be repaired to their original condition. Even if doors are closed off and other entrances to the building are used, avoid removing stoops and porches. Always make it possible to use a doorway again in the future.