How about a stacked stone? Something like they used on the bottom of this porch:

I feel like some sort of stone would look good in this situation. Maybe even faux rock panels that fit together like puzzle pieces.

I think a covered porch would be best for this situation. Since the roof line and posts of the porch would provide some separation, you won't have to match the siding exactly. You could even vastly depart by going with shingles in the porch area or half and half. If you decide to keep it open, make sure that you allow for run-off by slightly tilting the surface of the porch floor.

The stacked stone porch above is beautiful. I think it would have to be incorporated into other areas to give the whole a cohesive look. I think I would keep in line with the existing architectural style of the house, though. It looks like a vintage number and I would want to honor that rather than depart from it. Below are some porch ideas. I hope your redo goes smoothly and quickly.

I like the cedar shake idea. It might be better to have the entire lower level done in shake but I think just the porch would be ok. Check out the cedar shake siding offered by Shakertown www.shakertown.com and cedar valley http://www.cedar-valley.com/. Very nice stuff and easy to install.
A porch roof would give it a bit more architectural signifgance if the budget allows.

Hi Kimber Ludwig_Bahr,
As bryork88 pointed out above, Faux stone or rock panels could be a good fit for your space. Here are a few customer photos from our galleries that I thought could be of help for visualizing what your space could look like. I hope they help.