Page 84 - State College, PA Design Guidelines

06.28.2018 •

Porches and Stoops

Porches and stoops are one of the most important character-defining
features of a facade. They provide visual interest, create a physical connection
with the street and influence perceived scale. Porches and stoops also
establish a social hierarchy of space from the street to the house interior.
The original condition and form of a porch or stoop should be preserved.

6.30 Preserve the original porch or stoop, when feasible.
Preserve the original porch or stoop, when
feasible. (100 block of South Gill in the Holmes- a. Maintain the existing location, shape, details and posts of the
Foster/Highlands Historic District) porch.
b. Do not remove an original porch or stoop from a historic
building.
c. Avoid enclosing a historic porch.

6.31 If necessary, repair or replace damaged or
deteriorated porch or stoop features.
a. Replace missing or deteriorated decorative elements to match
existing elements; e.g., match the original proportions and
spacing of balusters when replacing missing ones.
Maintain the existing location, shape, details and
posts of the porch. (200 block of South Gill in
the Holmes-Foster/Highlands Historic District) 6.32 When replacing a porch or stoop is necessary, design
it to be similar in character, design, scale and materials
to those seen traditionally.

a. Design the size of the porch or stoop to relate to the overall
scale of the primary structure.
b. Base the replacement design on historic documentation if
available.
c. Avoid detailing a porch with non-traditional elements, as that
creates a false sense of history and is inappropriate.

HISTORIC PORCH ELEMENTS

When replacing a porch or stoop is necessary, Eave
design it to be similar in character, design, scale Brackets
and materials to those seen traditionally. (Arvada, Post/
CO) Pilaster Column

Top Rail
Balustrade Bottom Rail
Decking
Newel Post
Skirting Riser
Stringer Tread

78 STATE COLLEGE, PA • HERITAGE STATE COLLEGE DESIGN GUIDELINES