A state panel has made significant progress in establishing a new memorial for Cal Anderson, Washington’s first openly gay legislator, on the Capitol grounds, following the controversial removal of the previous tribute earlier this year. During a meeting on Monday, the State Capitol Committee unanimously approved the location for the memorial, which will be situated on a plot of land east of the Sunken Garden.
The proposed memorial aims to embody Anderson’s thoughtful and collaborative spirit, featuring a semi-circular retaining wall with seating designated for meditation, accompanied by a four-foot-tall polished granite boulder symbolizing his contributions to the state. The design plans include landscaping that ensures the memorial remains unobtrusive, complementing the surrounding gardens.
While the committee still requires approval for the memorial’s design and funding from the Legislature for its projected cost of $312,000, the designation of a site marks an important step forward in the memorial process, particularly after past controversies surrounding its removal. Randy Bolerjack, deputy secretary of state and a committee member, expressed relief over the rectification of the situation, emphasizing the pain that had been felt during the process.
Anderson’s legacy includes significant contributions to civil rights, with a history of advocating for legislation that extended protections for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite his passing in 1995 due to complications from AIDS, his impact on Washington politics and society continues to resonate. The original memorial was erected in 1996 but was dismantled in August 2023 when a cherry tree was removed alongside an adjacent plaque honoring Anderson.
Both Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and Gov. Jay Inslee, who had personal connections with Anderson, were vocal about the need to restore the memorial. Following the removal, state lawmakers allocated $75,000 for pre-design, and HBB Landscape Architecture of Seattle was engaged for the project. During Monday’s meeting, principal Aaron Luoma presented sketches that impressed committee members, indicating a promising direction for the memorial.
The final design phase is expected to take roughly eight months, at which point the project could move toward construction, anticipated to last around six months.
This memorial not only honors Cal Anderson’s contributions but also serves as a lasting reminder of progress in civil rights and the importance of inclusivity. As the project moves forward, it highlights the commitment to preserving history and recognizing the efforts of those who fought for a better future, ensuring that their stories continue to inspire generations to come.