Esmeralda - To build a village for families designed for a car-light lifestyle, lifelong learning, & independence for children.

Esmeralda aerial view
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Esmeralda

A new village for families & friends building a bright future, & a new neighborhood in Cloverdale.

About Esmeralda

Esmeralda is a proposed startup town in Northern Sonoma County by Devon Zuegel. Inspired by the Chautauqua movement, the town will blend the walkability of a college campus with a family friendly atmosphere focused on lifelong learning.

To lay the groundwork for this permanent settlement, Esmeralda runs an annual popup called Edge Esmeralda (in partnership with Edge City) nearby. Here, over a thousand thinkers and builders gather each summer to actively prototype our future town.

1,000+Popup attendees
267Site acres
Summer 2026Approvals target

Who it's for

FamiliesMultigenerational householdsBay Area professionalsLifelong learners

Posts

Timeline

  1. Chautauqua Founded

    Temporary educational gathering evolves into a permanent year-round community — the inspiration for Esmeralda.

  2. Outreach Begins

    Esmeralda Land Company starts multi-year engagement with Cloverdale leaders.

  3. Edge Esmeralda Launches

    First month-long popup prototype held in Healdsburg, gathering over a thousand thinkers and builders.

  4. Land Agreement Signed

    Purchase agreement entered for the 267-acre Cloverdale site with views of the Mayacamas Mountains.

  5. Edge Esmeralda Repeats

    Second popup event builds further community momentum.

  6. City Hearing

    Formal plans reviewed by Cloverdale City Council and Planning Commission.

  7. Approvals Targeted

    Revised development plan expected to receive city approval, moving Esmeralda closer to construction.

Frequently asked questions

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