Sonoma Developmental Center Memorial
Summary
SCH Number
2022080427
Public Agency
Department of General Services
(DGS)
Document Title
Sonoma Developmental Center Memorial
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/19/2022
Document Description
DGS, in partnership with DDS and DSH, seeks to increase access to the cemetery located at the former Sonoma Developmental Center by creating an interpretive memorial, overlook, and accessible parking. The project would construct a fully accessible van parking stall and concrete sidewalk on the north side of Orchard Road leading to a new observation deck overlooking the cemetery on the south side of Orchard Road. The parking area sidewalk would be bordered with informal marble memorials on reinforced concrete pedestals which will incorporate interpretive photographs of the site. A crosswalk would be installed across Orchard Road, leading to the overlook. The overlook would be an elevated concrete retaining wall structure fitted with guardrails that incorporate granite slabs depicting the names of individuals buried in the cemetery.
Contact Information
Name
Jim Martone
Agency Name
Asset Management Branch, DGS-RESD
Job Title
Branch Chief
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Name
Gerald McLaughlin
Agency Name
DGS-RESD-AMB
Job Title
Associate Construction Analyst
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Cities
Eldridge
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
Orchard Road
Other Location Info
Former Sonoma Developmental Center
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
§15301 Existing Facilities
Reasons for Exemption
This project is located within an existing facility and is considered a minor alteration to restore a sense of purpose and place to the historic cemetery. The perimeter of the work area adjacent to the cemetery will be scanned with ground penetrating radar to ensure it is clear of underground anomalies prior to work. The cemetery is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) as a contributor to the Sonoma State Home Historic District; however, the work will occur primarily outside of the boundaries of the resource. Great care has been given in the design of this project to preserve character defining features of the cemetery and the historic district and to protect the remaining integrity of the cemetery. A review of the project plans by a qualified Preservation Architect has determined that this project meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and will not create an adverse effect on the resource. The State has confirmed no other exceptions to the exemptions apply.