Just before the County released its controversial plan for the Sonoma Developmental Center, it invited local media members to the campus for a glimpse inside some of the long-locked buildings that have been vacant since the facility was shut down several years ago.
SDC once housed thousands of patients, many in residence rooms like these, seen from a center hallway in one of the many dorm-like buildings.
The residence houses were relatively self-contained, each with its own kitchen, eating and common area.
The structures are clean but dated, an eerie stillness pervades the campus. Here, an exam room in the hospital building.
Stark, empty, forlorn — a medical room of some kind.
Art created by clients, probably from a long-ago crafts project, adds a bit of human warmth to the otherwise barren offices and hallways.
Here is Sonoma House, on the south-east portion of the campus. Over 100 years old, it served as the residence of the facility’s superintendent. It is eligible for historic designation, and may be saved. Most all other buildings, except perhaps the iconic brick building at the campus’ center, will likely be torn down to make way for newer, safer structures.
Inside Sonoma House, one of the distinctive circular rooms that appear as a tower feature from outside the building.
What’s next for the 930-acre facility? Read the Sun editorial on what might be a generational opportunity.
A shame that all this housing can’t be utilized without tearing it out .
I was a police officer at the facility, and it is my opinion that persons with developmental disabilities received no finer treatment on earth compared to SDC.