Esmeralda: Sonoma’s Revolutionary Eco-Town Reshaping Millennial Living in Wine Country
Staff Editor Tech Worker’s Vision for Community-Oriented Living Takes Shape in Sonoma Wine Country
Devon Zuegel, a San Francisco-based tech worker, is embarking on an ambitious project to create a community-oriented living environment in Sonoma Wine Country. Inspired by her experiences in Chautauqua, New York, during the pandemic, Zuegel is developing Esmeralda, a walkable, bikeable town within Cloverdale.
The concept for Esmeralda was born out of Zuegel’s time in Chautauqua, where she experienced a walkable, culturally rich environment. This, along with influences from other communities like Vail, Charleston, and car-free neighborhoods, shaped her vision for a new kind of living space.
Esmeralda aims to revitalize the existing Cloverdale community while offering a fresh approach to urban living. The project reflects a growing trend among millennials seeking diverse and flexible living environments that prioritize community and connection.
To test the waters, Zuegel has launched Edge Esmeralda, a pop-up retreat serving as a prototype for the future town. The 2024 event hosted over 1,300 attendees, offering a variety of workshops and activities designed to foster a sense of community and belonging.
The concept of intentional communities is not new in America. Historical examples include the Shakers and Transcendentalists, with a resurgence in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, there are approximately 3,500 intentional communities across the United States.
Zuegel’s project taps into millennial priorities, which have shifted towards community-oriented living, especially in the wake of the pandemic. The desire for connection and a sense of belonging reminiscent of college experiences has driven interest in campus-like towns.
Despite enthusiasm for the project, some skepticism exists regarding Esmeralda’s feasibility and inclusivity. Zuegel emphasizes a gradual development approach, involving local communities and adapting based on feedback and experiences.
The vision for Esmeralda includes a pedestrian-friendly town that is safe for children and accessible for all ages. Zuegel aims to blend big city culture with small-town charm, creating a vibrant community that attracts both locals and visitors.
As the project moves forward, it will be closely watched by urban planners, community developers, and those interested in alternative living arrangements. Esmeralda represents a bold experiment in reimagining community living for the 21st century.
