Just in case you didn't see my other response:
Maybe big leaf hydrangeas would do well there, and many of them color up in the fall. Oakleaf hydrangeas have lovely fall color.

How much sun does it get? Is it just shade from the building or from trees too?
My first suggestion was going to be oak leaf hydrangea. For something smaller, maybe Amsonia????
If you can get ahold of the book by Allen Lacey, The Garden in Autumn you will find lots of ideas. I love this book.

How about one of the smaller japanese maples? They come in many sizes and shapes, most with great spring and fall color. Very nice foliage in partly shadded areas. The maples forum folks should be able to give you specific variety names. I have noticed that both Behnke's and Merrifields carry a variety of cultivars. Or you could go to Forestfarm.com, type in Acer palmatum into their search and look at which cultivars appeal.

Allen Lacey's book is available from Amazon.com for $0.84.

I have had great luck with Euonymous Silver knight in this area. I have a small hedge of them next to the driveway, hiding a window well. They are on the north side of the house and get no direct light. But as an evergreen they have no fall color.

Aucuba japonica (gold dust plant) has very good verigated foliage plus red berries all winter. But it is evergreen.
Thrives on the north side of my house.