A state committee in Washington has made significant progress in establishing a new memorial for the pioneering lawmaker Cal Anderson, following the controversial removal of the previous tribute. The unanimous decision by the State Capitol Committee on Monday earmarked a location for the memorial on a tract of land east of the Sunken Garden on the Capitol campus.
The proposed design for the memorial aims to reflect Anderson’s reflective nature, collaborative spirit, and activism. It includes a semi-circular retaining wall and seating area designed for meditation, along with a 4-foot-tall polished granite boulder that symbolizes Anderson’s contributions to shaping Washington’s future. The landscaping plan for the site ensures that the memorial will not exceed the height of surrounding hedges, allowing it to harmoniously blend into the existing garden area.
While the committee’s decision on location marks a significant advancement after a period of discontent, the design must still be approved and funding secured from the Legislature for the project, which has an estimated cost of $312,000. Randy Bolerjack, deputy secretary of state and a committee member, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, acknowledging the emotional challenges that have surfaced during this process. He highlighted the hopefulness and kindness that were central to Anderson’s character, emphasizing that the memorial will serve as an enduring reminder of these values for future generations navigating Olympia’s political landscape.
Cal Anderson made history in 1987 as Washington’s first openly gay legislator. Over his career, he was dedicated to advancing civil rights protections, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. Tragically, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1995, a complication of AIDS, and he passed away later that year. Although discrimination laws for sexual orientation and gender identity were not passed until 2006, Anderson’s relentless efforts laid the groundwork for those protections.
Originally memorialized in 1996, the previous tribute was removed in August 2023 during maintenance work that also involved a nearby cherry tree. This prompted backlash from state leaders, including Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and Gov. Jay Inslee, who worked with Anderson and viewed the removal as a significant loss. They called for the memorial’s restoration along Cherry Lane adjacent to the Legislative Building.
On Monday, architectural firm HBB Landscape Architecture presented sketches that received enthusiastic approval. Lt. Gov. Heck described the renderings as spectacular and a stark visual representation of the planned space. The final design process is expected to take around eight months before construction can begin.
This initiative represents a positive step towards honoring the legacy of a trailblazer who fought tirelessly for equality and social justice. The memorial will not only commemorate Cal Anderson’s contributions but also inspire future generations to continue the work he passionately championed.