From the Washington Post, an article on the always-relevant topic of stoops and other transitions from private to public space: "Harriet and Dick Melmer don't have a front porch or yard. They step from their 1782 townhouse immediately into the public right of way, a brick sidewalk belonging to the city of Alexandria and heavily used by pedestrians. Like many homeowners who live in urban settings, the Melmers face the challenge of blending private and public spaces when there is minimal distance between the two. 'The sidewalk becomes the public living room in front of the house,' said Al Cox, Alexandria's manager of historic preservation. To soften that transition and create a sense of welcome, some urban homeowners rely on small flourishes of design." Full article here.