A state panel has made significant progress in the establishment of a new memorial for Cal Anderson, a groundbreaking lawmaker in Washington known for his advocacy for gay rights. The decision comes several months after the previous tribute was removed, sparking community outrage.
On Monday, the State Capitol Committee unanimously agreed on a location for the memorial to be situated east of the Sunken Garden. The proposed design will include features that reflect Anderson’s thoughtful and collaborative nature, such as a semi-circular retaining wall with seating for meditation and a 4-foot-tall polished granite boulder symbolizing his influence on Washington’s future. The landscaping will be designed to harmonize with the surrounding gardens, ensuring that the tribute blends seamlessly into the environment.
Randy Bolerjack, the deputy secretary of state and a committee member, expressed relief that the committee is moving forward thoughtfully after a painful chapter, highlighting Anderson’s kindness and hopefulness as qualities the memorial will celebrate for future generations.
Anderson, who served as Washington’s first openly gay legislator, was appointed to the House in 1987 and later served in the Senate. He tirelessly advocated for civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, contributing to the eventual passage of a law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in 2006. Following his passing in 1995 due to complications from AIDS, the original memorial was established in 1996, only to be dismantled in August 2023 during routine maintenance.
The recent decision has been met with positive reactions from state leaders. Lt. Gov. Denny Heck described the removal of the original memorial as a “desecration,” while Governor Jay Inslee took steps to ensure the memorial’s restoration.
To finance the project, the state has allocated $75,000 for pre-design, and HBB Landscape Architecture has been brought on board to create plans. Aaron Luoma, a principal at the firm, has presented design sketches that have generated excitement among committee members, with Heck calling them “spectacular.”
Once the final designs are completed—expected to take about eight months—the project will enter the bidding phase. Construction is estimated to cost $312,000 and is projected to take six months to complete.
This development marks a hopeful turnaround, allowing the memory and contributions of Cal Anderson to be honored in a meaningful way, ensuring that his legacy of kindness and advocacy continues to inspire future generations.